Control Of Mast Cell Tryptase Function In Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,627.00
Summary
Allergic disorders such as anaphylaxis, eczema, hay fever and asthma affect about 25% of the developed world. Australia has one of the highest asthma prevalence in the world, costing Australians about a billion dollars a year. One of the central players in allergies is the mast cell enzyme, ?-tryptase. We have discovered a new mechanism of control of this enzyme. This research will aid the development of specific and potent inhibitors of ?-tryptase for the treatment of allergic disorders.
Redox Control Of The Immune Regulatory Protein, Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,538.00
Summary
An enzyme called indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase is important for controlling the immune system during normal and disease conditions including pregnancy, cancer, inflammation and infectious disease. Despite its importance little is known about how this enzyme is controlled. This project will provide important new insights into how this enzyme is regulated. Such fundamental scientific information can discover new ways in which to alter the enzyme's activity in order to modulate immune responses.