Evolution And Function Of A Novel Lateral Flagellar Locus, Flag-2, In Pathogenic Escherichia Coli
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,158.00
Summary
This project will study how the bacteria that cause infant diarrhoea colonize the intestine and induce disease. We have identified a novel genetic region that allows E. coli to survive and persist in the intestine. Similar genes are also present in closely related organisms. This project will help us to undestand how new diseases evolve and emerge and may lead to the development of new vaccines to protect against infant diarrhoea.
Contribution Of Nuclear Targeting Of The NleE-OspZ Family Of Proteins To Escherichia Coli And Shigella Virulence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,462.00
Summary
This project will study how the bacteria that cause infant diarrhoea colonize the intestine and induce disease. We have identified new bacterial proteins that allow E. coli to manipulate the normal host cell processes involved in killing an invading bacterium. Similar proteins are also present in the closely related organism, Shigella which causes dysentary. We will determine how these proteins act by finding the host cell proteins they bind.
The Impact Of Influenza A Virus PB1-F2 Protein On Host Immunity And The Potential For Therapeutic Targeting
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,076.00
Summary
The 1918 influenza virus pandemic resulted in 50 million deaths globally and there is potential for new pandemics, such as the predicted H5N1 Bird Flu . Exact causes of such devastating lethality are not fully identified. Newly discovered influenza A virus (IAV) PB1-F2 protein is present in nearly all highly pathogenic IAVs and promotes virus virulence. This study will further examine the way in which PB1-F2 impacts the host, revealing potential therapeutic targets to lessen disease burden.
Cellular And Molecular Pathways Regulating Airway Mucosal Dendritic Cells During Onset Of Allergic Airways Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$491,065.00
Summary
Allergic airways inflammation (AAI), which leads to debilitating disease such as allergic asthma, is a condition medaited by the abnormal activity of the immune system towards essentially harmless inhlaed allergens. Two special cell types of the immmune system that are important in controlloing the onset and persistence of AAI are known as dendritic cells (DC) and T helper type 2 cells (Th2 cells). DC are located in all parts of the respiratory tract and are important in providing control signal ....Allergic airways inflammation (AAI), which leads to debilitating disease such as allergic asthma, is a condition medaited by the abnormal activity of the immune system towards essentially harmless inhlaed allergens. Two special cell types of the immmune system that are important in controlloing the onset and persistence of AAI are known as dendritic cells (DC) and T helper type 2 cells (Th2 cells). DC are located in all parts of the respiratory tract and are important in providing control signals to Th2 cells to become switched on and start to react to an inhaled allergen. Th2 cells then generate a variety of signals that initiate an cascade of immune responses towards the allergen that ultimately can lead to AAI and asthma if left unchecked, however this process remians relatively poorly understood. This project aims to examine how DC and Th2 interact, and at what level DC activity can be regulated so that unchecked Th2 immunity to harmless inhaled allergens can be controlled. The hope is to be able to identify new cellular and molecular pathways that can eventually become the target for new generations of preventative and therapeutic drugs.Read moreRead less
Interferon Regulatory Factor 6: A Novel Epithelial-specific Regulator Of Mucosal Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,989.00
Summary
Epithelial cells lining the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts play pivotal roles in protecting us from infection. Inflammatory factors released by epithelial cells are important for fighting infection; however, they also contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases. We aim to understand how a protein called IRF6 regulates the inflammatory response of epithelial cells. The knowledge gained will identify new therapeutic approaches for inflammatory diseases.
Cell Surface Mucins In Gastrointestinal Infection And Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,967.00
Summary
Mucosal tissues, such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, are the most common site of infectious disease. We have found that the cells in these tissues produce molecules on their surface, known as mucins, that protect from infection. In the case of chronic infection the mucins prevent the inflammation that underlies the development of cancer. In this project we will be exploring the mechanisms by which mucins prevent infection and inflammation.
Life-threatening Ulcer Complications In The Elderly: Role Of Visceral Sensory Function And Molecular Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,011.00
Summary
A large proportion of patients with chronic disease such as peptic ulcer disease present with life-threatening complications such as severe peptic ulcer bleedings without any relevant symptoms prior to the manifestation of the complication. This lack of symptoms can be considered the main reason that the disease is not earlier diagnosed or before severe complications such as life-threatening bleeding ulcers occur.