A Structural Investigation Into The T-cell Response To Epstein Barr Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$549,000.00
Summary
X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as ....X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as binding to other proteins, acting as an enzyme or interacting with nucleic acids. To determine how a protein acts, it is vital to know the precise three-dimensional shape at the atomic level. This proposal is concerned with understanding the precise shape of proteins that control the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus. Epstein Barr Virus is an ubiquitous human pathogen that has being linked to a number of cancers. This work will further our understanding of the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus.Read moreRead less
An X-ray Crystallographic Investigation Into The Adaptive Immune Response To Epstein Barr Virus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,961.00
Summary
This proposal is focussed on understanding the precise shape of proteins that control the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus. EBV is an ubiquitous human pathogen that has been linked to a number of cancers. This research proposal will further our understanding of the immune response to EBV, which will lay the foundations for developing therapeutics against this disease.
The Role Of Non-classical MHC Class I Molecules In Adaptive Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,834.00
Summary
Specialised proteins called MHC class Ia molecules (MHC-Ia) stimulate killer T cells to lyse virus infected cells. In contrast, the function of the closely related MHC-Ib is uncertain. Recent findings have demonstrated that MHC-Ib can also be recognised by T cells and this interaction is important in the control of viral infections. However, despite the similarity to MHC-Ia, it is unclear how this interaction occurs. This project aims to investigate how killer T cells recognise MHC-Ib molecules.
Tracking Endogenous Presentation Of MHC Class-II-Restricted Viral Epitopes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$165,436.00
Summary
CD4+ T cells play an important role in controlling viral infections. Proteins from viruses are processed into small pieces by immune stimulating cells and these are then displayed on special molecules of the immune stimulating cells for the CD4+ T cells to recognise and respond to. This project aims to establish the various pathways by which the immune stimulating cells process the proteins and present them to the CD4+ T cells.
Understanding The Host Pathogen Relationships Of Hendra Virus In Bats, Horses And Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$648,339.00
Summary
We will examine why bats can be infected with Hendra Virus with no apparent symptoms, yet the virus causes severe disease in other mammals including humans. We will examine the innate immune response towards the virus in the natural host (fruit bats), horses and humans. In addition to the innate immune response we will also examine the adaptive immune response in bats and humans. We hope this information can be used to design new drugs or vaccines to Hendra Virus.
Structural And Functional Studies Of T-cell Mediated Recognition Of Microbial Lipids Presented By CD1c
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
The CD1c molecule plays an important role in the immune system by presenting lipid-based antigen of pathogens to the surface of an antigen presenting cell (APC) that is infected by the pathogen. Once a T cell receptor (TCR), which is expressed on the surface of a Killer T cell, recognises CD1c presenting pathogenic lipid, any infected cells will be destroyed. My research will look at the molecular mechanism of T cell recognising tuberculosis related lipids that is presented by CD1c.
The Unique Nature Of Gamma Delta T Cell Recognition Resolved Through Interaction With H2-Q10
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$699,031.00
Summary
The liver is important for both digestion and immunity. Given these opposing functions, the liver must exert control points that prevent the immune system from recognising food products. We have now identified a new molecular target that controls the development of immune cells in the liver.
The Structural Basis For Recognition Of HLA-E By Both Innate And Adaptive Immune Systems.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$206,255.00
Summary
Biochemistry and structural biology can be used to understand and visualize the three dimesional shape of molecules and the way they interact with other molecules. We will use these approaches to understand how various cells of the immune system recognise the protein HLA-E. This protein is normally present on the surface of healthy cells while it frequently retained inside both tumours and cells infected with viruses. This acts a signal for the immune system to kill these cells. However to avoid ....Biochemistry and structural biology can be used to understand and visualize the three dimesional shape of molecules and the way they interact with other molecules. We will use these approaches to understand how various cells of the immune system recognise the protein HLA-E. This protein is normally present on the surface of healthy cells while it frequently retained inside both tumours and cells infected with viruses. This acts a signal for the immune system to kill these cells. However to avoid being recognized by the immune system some viruses have developed ways to maintain HLA-E expression. This grant will attempt to understand exactly how the immune sytem recognizes HLA-E and how it discriminates between HLA-Eexpressed by healthy cells compared with HLA-E expressed by a virus-infected cell.Read moreRead less