High Spatial Resolution Dosimetry For Radioactive Plaques Used For Radiotherapy Of Eye Lesions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$357,294.00
Summary
Melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the commonest ocular malignancies in adults. While plaque brachytherapy has delivered advances in ocular cancer management, significant challenges remain. These include post-treatment vision loss (due to over irradiation of vital structures, e.g. optic nerve), treatment failure (~10%) and an inability to treat large tumours (>8mm thick). This project aims to address these challenges through rigorous quality assurance and enhanced dosimetry planning.
Do Activated Retinal Microglia Mediate Neurotoxicity In Background Diabetic Retinopathy?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,589.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy, a frequent complication of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, is the commonest cause of blindness in working age individuals. Prior to the growth of blindness-causing new vessels in the eye we now know that there is a gradual loss of neurons in the retina. This project will investigate whether the resident immune cells in the retina, which are normally neuroprotective, become neurotoxic during episodes of systemic inflammation (e.g. bacterial or viral infections).
Characterisation Of The Host Response In A Mouse Model Of Staphylococcus Aureus Keratitis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$248,850.00
Summary
Staphylococcus is the most common cause of bacterial eye infections (microbial keratitis) . This ocular infection is associated with severe pain, redness, discharge and frequently results in the loss of vision or blindness. Predisposing factors for this disease include contact lens wear and immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV, diabetes or aged populations. S. aureus keratitis is difficult to treat using conventional antibiotics as although bacteria may be eliminated, vision loss ....Staphylococcus is the most common cause of bacterial eye infections (microbial keratitis) . This ocular infection is associated with severe pain, redness, discharge and frequently results in the loss of vision or blindness. Predisposing factors for this disease include contact lens wear and immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV, diabetes or aged populations. S. aureus keratitis is difficult to treat using conventional antibiotics as although bacteria may be eliminated, vision loss may still result from scarring. S. aureus also causes a wide range of hospital associated infections such as pneumonia, endocarditis, bacteremia, wound infections, osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. In recent times strains of S. aureus have emerged which are multi-drug resistant including methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). These may only be treated with the drug Vancomycin. However, vancomycin resistant S. aureus have been reported in both Japan and the USA. Now, the search for new treatments for this bacterium is of vital importance. This project will utilise the novel S.aureus mouse model for keratitis, which we have developed in our laboratories. Our model will enable us to investigate the host responses to bacterial infection. Existing models in the rabbit do not allow such detailed studies due to the lack of existing molecular probes and antibodies. Insights into potential adjunct therapies will also be gained. This research could lead to the development of novel therapeutic measures aimed at manipulating the host response to reduce scarring and consequent blindness. This information may also be important for the development of prophylactic treatments for those patients at high risk, such as diabetics and immunocompromised individuals of developing this disease.Read moreRead less
Studies Of Antigen Presenting Cells In The Anterior Segment Of The Eye And Their Role In Immune-mediated Ocular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$241,018.00
Summary
Dendritic cells (DC) are considered the 'sentinels' of the immune system because they are capable of trapping antigenic material derived from invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses in peripheral tissues-organs (skin, gut, respiratory tract etc) and then transporting these antigens to the lymphoid organs where they 'alert' the immune system to potential 'dangers' and elicit appropriate T cell responses. If the antigens are novel this mechanism forms the basis of primary cell-mediated imm ....Dendritic cells (DC) are considered the 'sentinels' of the immune system because they are capable of trapping antigenic material derived from invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses in peripheral tissues-organs (skin, gut, respiratory tract etc) and then transporting these antigens to the lymphoid organs where they 'alert' the immune system to potential 'dangers' and elicit appropriate T cell responses. If the antigens are novel this mechanism forms the basis of primary cell-mediated immune responses. Previously 'educated' T cells may upon contact with antigens in the periphery (when presented by other antigen presenting cells [APCs], such as macrophages) become activated. This forms the basis for secondary immune responses. Immune and inflammatory responses in the eye are held in check to avoid permanent damage to the delicate tissues and maintain visual function. The mechanisms which regulate immunological responses in the eye are only now becoming clear. Studies in the Chief Investigators laboratory over the last 7 years have been aimed at unravelling the life cycle and function of APCs in the eye. The present study has three specific aims: 1) Determining whether DC in the eye once they have taken up antigens migrate to the spleen or local lymph nodes? 2) The second aim of this project is to use an animal model of uveitis and transfer fluorescent labelled donor T cells to study the events in the living eye which lead to autoimmune uveoretinitis. In particular we wish to identify the cells that present antigen to infiltrating lymphocytes. 3) Patients often develop posterior uveitis (an autoimmune condition) after a cold or bacterial infection. We aim to mimic conditions of acute inflammation in the eye to see whether this may secondarily predispose the eye to attack by autoreactive lymphocytes.Read moreRead less