The Role Of Reduced Lung Volume In The Pathogenesis Of Asthma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$275,095.00
Summary
Asthma is a disease for which the cause is not understood. This project is designed to examine the possibilty that breathing at low volumes causes an abnormality in the smooth muscle of the airways that predisposes them to the airway hyperresponsiveness of asthma.
Novel Microtubule Association Sequences From Rabies Virus; Subversion Of Antiviral Responses And Use In Drug Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$529,632.00
Summary
The P-protein from rabies virus (RV) has distinct sequences that enable it to exploit the cellular skeleton (cytoskeleton) to localise efficiently in the host cell nucleus to exert pathogenic effects, or to perturb the cytoskeleton and thereby impair the host cell anti-viral response and immune response generally. We aim to characterise these properties in detail, demonstrate their importance to RV pathogenicity, and test the utility of the P-protein sequences in drug delivery.
The immune system plays an important role in protecting us from infectious diseases. To do this it regulates a series of cell types that must decide upon an appropriate course. In general, this response is successful and protective. However, occasionally the cells make an inappropriate decision leading to problems. For example, allergies are an incorrect response against pollens and dust mites. Similarly, autoimmune disease such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis result from inappropriate attack ....The immune system plays an important role in protecting us from infectious diseases. To do this it regulates a series of cell types that must decide upon an appropriate course. In general, this response is successful and protective. However, occasionally the cells make an inappropriate decision leading to problems. For example, allergies are an incorrect response against pollens and dust mites. Similarly, autoimmune disease such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis result from inappropriate attack upon our own tissues. Despite the clear importance of immune regulation for health, the complexity of its behaviour has made it difficult to predict and control. In this research program a new theory of immune regulation with clear implications for rational intervention and beneficial manipulation of the immune system will be developed.Read moreRead less