Unraveling Mechanisms Of Liver Transplant Tolerance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,822.00
Summary
Liver transplants are unique amongst solid organs as they are spontaneously accepted across different individuals and induce acceptance of other organs from the same donor co-transplanted at the same time. Using a new mouse liver transplantation model, this proposal will elucidate how the liver tissue performs this function and identify new markers associated with tolerance in the blood of mice. This knowledge will be used to identify liver transplant patients with reduced rejection risk.
Deciphering Mechanisms Of Liver Allograft Tolerance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,964.00
Summary
The liver has paradoxical properties: it is the site of effective immune responses to pathogens, but under some circumstances, it is known to induce harmless immune responses. Liver transplants are more readily accepted than other organ grafts in the absence of immunosuppressive drugs but little is known about the mechanisms that prevent an effective response. This proposal aims to unravel these mechanisms. This project will have important implications for transplantation studies.
Molecular approaches to solving current and emerging problems in the epidemiology and diagnosis of Marek's disease in Australia. Marek's disease (MD) is a ubiquitous viral disease of chickens that is currently controlled in meat chickens by blanket vaccination of all chickens. However, as has happened overseas, the efficacy of the HVT vaccine being used in Australia is breaking down resulting in subclinical and clinical losses due to MD. To assist industry deal with this situation we propose to ....Molecular approaches to solving current and emerging problems in the epidemiology and diagnosis of Marek's disease in Australia. Marek's disease (MD) is a ubiquitous viral disease of chickens that is currently controlled in meat chickens by blanket vaccination of all chickens. However, as has happened overseas, the efficacy of the HVT vaccine being used in Australia is breaking down resulting in subclinical and clinical losses due to MD. To assist industry deal with this situation we propose to develop novel molecular methods for the quantification of Marek's disease viruses (MDV) in the host and the environment, to use these methods to design effective early monitoring systems for MD in broilers that predict disease and performance outcomes, and to develop an epidemiological model that will predict the spread and severity of MD as failure of vaccinal protection progresses.Read moreRead less
The biology and epidemiology of the grapevine canker fungi, Botryosphaeria sp. Decline and dieback of grapevines is becoming an increasing problem for the viticulture industry in NSW. Recently, species of the fungus Botryosphaeria, were isolated from grapevines exhibiting these symptoms. In order to understand the biology and epidemiology of the causal organisms, we aim to; (i) determine species of Botryosphaeria present in NSW vineyards; (ii) determine which species are pathogenic on grapevines ....The biology and epidemiology of the grapevine canker fungi, Botryosphaeria sp. Decline and dieback of grapevines is becoming an increasing problem for the viticulture industry in NSW. Recently, species of the fungus Botryosphaeria, were isolated from grapevines exhibiting these symptoms. In order to understand the biology and epidemiology of the causal organisms, we aim to; (i) determine species of Botryosphaeria present in NSW vineyards; (ii) determine which species are pathogenic on grapevines; (iii) characterise the genetic diversity of strains and; (iv) screen fungicides for the control of these fungi. Information on the species, their biology and pathogenicity on grapevines, will enable the development of appropriate management strategies for its control and may lead to the development of molecular tools to identify species of Botryosphaeria.Read moreRead less
New Approaches to the Control of Post-Weaning Diarrhoea in Piglets. In Australia, post?weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets is a major constraint to efficient and profitable production. Increasing levels of resistance to dietary antibiotics by gut pathogens such as Escherichia coli, the bacterium implicated in PWD, is a major reason for this problem. This research will identify nutritional means of controlling PWD and increasing production after weaning. This will be achieved by strategic nutritio ....New Approaches to the Control of Post-Weaning Diarrhoea in Piglets. In Australia, post?weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets is a major constraint to efficient and profitable production. Increasing levels of resistance to dietary antibiotics by gut pathogens such as Escherichia coli, the bacterium implicated in PWD, is a major reason for this problem. This research will identify nutritional means of controlling PWD and increasing production after weaning. This will be achieved by strategic nutritional interventions in the pre-weaning and (or) post-weaning periods targeted at reducing bacterial pathogens in the gut. A reduction in PWD will increase the overall efficiency of pig production in Australia and reduce antibiotic use.Read moreRead less
Centre Of Research Excellence In Melanoma: Person, Tumour And System-focussed Knowledge To Drive Better Outcomes In Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,486,945.00
Summary
This Centre for Research Excellence in Melanoma will address three pivotal questions: how best to identify and conduct surveillance of the person with a high risk of melanoma, how best to manage the person who has developed a melanoma with high potential for relapse, and how best to improve support, survivorship and the patient experience. Economic evaluation, policy and implementation research are integral to the research plan.
Deciphering How TCR Affinity Regulates CD4 T Cell Help In Immunity And Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,885.00
Summary
Immune responses require the coordinated interaction and cross-talk between two types of white blood cells known as CD4 and CD8 T cells. A dysregulated interaction between these cells could be the cause of autoimmune and persistent infections by pathogens leading to chronic diseases. The aim of this proposal is to provide a deeper understanding of CD4/CD8 T cell interactions to improve immune outcomes in many chronic diseases in which interaction between these two immune cells is critical.
A Unique Network Of Phagocytic Cells At The Interface Between The Liver And Peritoneal Cavity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$787,521.00
Summary
This project aims to characterise the nature and ontogeny of a novel population of cells with phagocytic capacity that forms a network underlying the capsule of mouse and human liver reminiscent of that formed by Langherans cells in the epidermis of the skin. In this project we will characterise this newly described liver capsular macrophage subset, define their ontogeny and assess their specific functions.
Inflammatory Mediators Of Liver Injury In Chronic Hepatitis C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$349,336.00
Summary
Presently, liver disease from chronic hepatitis C and obesity represents a major health problem. Overall, approximately 50% of Australians with chronic hepatitis C are obese and these patients are at significantly increased risk of rapidly progressing to liver failure. It is now recognized that fat derived factors play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses. This grant proposal aims to gain insight into how liver and fat derived inflammatory factors interact to promote increased ....Presently, liver disease from chronic hepatitis C and obesity represents a major health problem. Overall, approximately 50% of Australians with chronic hepatitis C are obese and these patients are at significantly increased risk of rapidly progressing to liver failure. It is now recognized that fat derived factors play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses. This grant proposal aims to gain insight into how liver and fat derived inflammatory factors interact to promote increased liver damage in chronic hepatitis C and obesity.Read moreRead less
Practical application of gene silencing: is delivery of long double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) by plant cells efficient in conferring host resistance to parasitic nematodes? Nematode that attack plants cause $120 billion of crop losses worldwide. Chemicals used for their control are being phased out because of environmental concerns, and natural resistance is limited. The aim of this project is to use Australian IP to develop a new form of resistance to nematodes based on knowledge of th ....Practical application of gene silencing: is delivery of long double stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) by plant cells efficient in conferring host resistance to parasitic nematodes? Nematode that attack plants cause $120 billion of crop losses worldwide. Chemicals used for their control are being phased out because of environmental concerns, and natural resistance is limited. The aim of this project is to use Australian IP to develop a new form of resistance to nematodes based on knowledge of the host-pathogen interactions. A successful outcome could contribute an additional 5-20% increase in crop yields (depending on the crop) through inherent resistance of crops to nematode pests. This would benefit rural communities and the national economy, and could also generate international royalties.Read moreRead less