Wheat Proteins, The Duodenal Microbiome And Immune Activation In The Aetiopathogenesis Of Non-coeliac Gluten Sensitivity And Functional Dyspepsia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,997,150.00
Summary
Functional dyspepsia, characterised by troublesome pain in the upper abdomen, or an inability to finish a regular sized meal, is common, affecting up to 15% of Australians. There are no effective treatments. This project will evaluate the role of diet, in particular wheat, as a driver of the subtle inflammation and disturbances in the microbiome seen in the small intestine of functional dyspepsia patients, and test whether a gluten or wheat free diet is an effective treatment option.
Coordinating Neuroimmune Sensory Networks In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$884,405.00
Summary
Living organisms use cellular rhythms to optimize their energy use and cellular responses. Our proposal aims to produce significant new fundamental knowledge by elucidating the fundamental cellular and molecular biology of innate cells, their role in mucosal homeostasis and tissue repair pathways in the gut. Understanding this foundational process of cellular regulation will generate new basic knowledge and may lead to better management systems.
Presentation Of Metabolite Antigens By MR1 Molecules: A Fundamental System Of Immune Priming
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$883,832.00
Summary
Our immune system constantly monitors our body for disease-causing microbes, such as bacteria that cause illnesses like pneumonia or tuberculosis. Our cells have a molecular alarm-system called 'MR1' which alerts white blood cells that an infection by microbes is occurring, however this process is not well understood. This grant will allow me to discover the cells and molecular pathways that govern the MR1 alarm system, which may lead to new treatments against common diseases in our community.
Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose, patients present at a late stage of disease and it responds poorly to therapy. To improve treatment, it is crucial to gain new insights into ovarian cancer biology. We discovered a new protein, interferon epsilon, which is produced naturally by cells lining the female reproductive tract where it protects against infections and may even prevent development of cancers. We plan to characterise the action of IFNe on HGSOC and how best to use it for therapy.
Gamma Delta T Cells: The Fourth Player In CD8 T Cell Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,020,777.00
Summary
The immune systems of animals have evolved complex but effective mechanisms to protect against infection with intracellular pathogens. This requires that T cells can distinguish uninfected cells from those harbouring pathogens. This is achieved via recognition of pathogen-derived molecules, which activate the immune system to recognise and fight the pathogen. We have identified a crucial role for a gamma delta T cells in this process, making them essential sentinels of intracellular infection.
Developing Improved Therapies For Cytomegalovirus Infections By Overcoming Viral Strain Diversity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,126,820.00
Summary
Cytomegalovirus infection is the most common cause of infection-related disease in newborns and is one of the most common complications in transplant patients. Current treatments are not always successful and are associated with significant side-effects. We have therefore developed world first systems that can be used to develop safer, more effective treatments for this life-threatening infection. Our findings are likely to be applicable to other difficult to manage viral infections.
Repurposing Thalidomide Derivatives To Augment Cancer Immunotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,154,196.00
Summary
Immunotherapies are a revolutionary approach for cancer treatment, but most people with cancer do not respond to therapy. We have identified a new set of molecular switches that shutdown immune function and limit responsiveness to existing immunotherapies. Importantly, we have found a class of approved drugs that can block these immune 'off switches'. This proposal will test if these drugs could be repurposed as a novel treatment to amplify the efficacy of existing immunotherapies.
Inflammasome Sensors And Immune Protection Against Tumorigenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,110.00
Summary
Intestinal cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia and worldwide. Defects in the immune system can lead to the development of intestinal cancer. In this project, we will investigate the critical role of an immune sensor in inhibiting the development of intestinal cancer. This project will provide new insights into the interplay between the immune system and cancer biology and will potentially inform the development of new immunotherapies.
Understanding Novel Viral Host Interactions That Modulate Innate Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$764,246.00
Summary
Lethal viruses such as coronaviruses (MERS, SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2), Dengue, Zika, Hendra, and Nipah have developed effective mechanisms of replication by dampening the host immune system. Here we will examine how viruses carry out these immune evasion functions, and test antiviral drugs that can prevent these effects in a highly specific manner. If this idea can be proved, it will provide great promise for the development of new antivirals whilst minimising the toxic effects to the cell.
Understanding The Innate Immune Response To Viral Infection Of The Female Reproductive Tract And Placenta
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$784,273.00
Summary
Viral infection of the female reproductive tract (FRT) can have a significant impact on FRT health and may cause significant birth defects if the virus infects the placenta and developing fetus. In this application we will investigate the role of a novel molecule termed interferon epsilon and how it impacts viral infection of the FRT, the fetus and how the placenta responds to viral infection. This work will develop innovative antiviral strategies to combat viral infections of the FRT.