Molecular Characterization Of Human Caliciviruses Causing Gastroenteritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$173,380.00
Summary
A common cause of outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhoea in the community are small viruses approximately 30 nm in diameter. During outbreaks of such viral gastroenteritis, large numbers of people may become ill. The viruses may be transmitted in contaminated food or drink, or passed from person to person. Outbreaks have been associated with hospital wards, nursing homes, school camps, cruise ships and airline flights. The viruses causing these outbreaks are human caliciviruses. They have a structu ....A common cause of outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhoea in the community are small viruses approximately 30 nm in diameter. During outbreaks of such viral gastroenteritis, large numbers of people may become ill. The viruses may be transmitted in contaminated food or drink, or passed from person to person. Outbreaks have been associated with hospital wards, nursing homes, school camps, cruise ships and airline flights. The viruses causing these outbreaks are human caliciviruses. They have a structural resemblance to the rabbit virus recently released in Australia, but possess an alternative host range, and they produce different symptoms in the infected host. The human caliciviruses are difficult to study in the laboratory. They do not replicate in cell culture systems and no animal is known to show symptoms of infection. In this project, the techniques of genetic engineering are being used to develop diagnostic reagents for the viruses, and to study the functions of the proteins encoded by the viral genes. In the longer term, it may be feasible to develop vaccines and drugs against these viruses, but first it is necessary to discover how many types are circulating world-wide and in Australia, and to identify potential targets for antiviral drugs during virus replication.Read moreRead less
Resolving Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Transmission
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$745,213.00
Summary
To increase the breadth of HIV prevention strategies, it is imperative that we biologically understand how HIV enters our bodies. Through two unique clinical cohorts, we will determine why circumcision is protective and how a commonly acquired sexual transmitted infection (human papilloma virus) can increase HIV transmission.
Intrinsic Host Antiviral Activity Against Pathogenic Filoviruses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$488,754.00
Summary
Bats are a major reservoir for deadly human viruses including Ebola and Marburg virus. In contrast to humans, bats can be infected with these viruses without showing clinical signs of disease. The reason why bats can co-exist with these viruses is unknown. This study will determine if a bat antiviral molecule contributes to limiting virus release compared to the human version that could reveal strategies to prevent and control these deadly viruses in humans.
Identification Of Host Factors That Restrict Influenza Virus Replication In Macrophages
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,446.00
Summary
Influenza virus infects different cells in the airways, including immune cells (macrophages) and non-immune cells (epithelial cells). Epithelial cell infection results in virus amplification and release whereas macrophage infection leads to virus destruction. This project will identify cellular factors expressed by macrophages that block virus amplification and release. Identification of novel antiviral factors is an important step towards developing strategies to reduce influenza disease.
Identification Of Host Restriction Factors That Block Respiratory Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$956,898.00
Summary
Following inhalation, respiratory viruses can infect and grow in airway epithelial cells. Although immune cells such as macrophages are also susceptible to infection, this is generally abortive and new viruses are not released. This project will identify proteins induced in macrophages that block respiratory viruses and prevent their spread in the airways. We will also define mechanisms by which some virulent strains overcome this block to grow in macrophages.
The Role Of Varicella Zoster Virus In Modulating Cutaneous Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes two skin diseases: chickenpox and shingles. VZV can causes significant morbidity in children and adults and life-threatening disease in immunocompromised people. This project aims to improve our understanding of how VZV affects the function of specialised skin cells to provide information for the development of a better vaccine to lessen the impact of VZV disease on the community.