Initial Interactions Of Herpes Simplex Virus With Innate Immune Cells In Human Skin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$522,589.00
Summary
Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 cause widespread and occasionally serious diseases including genital herpes, neonatal death and encephalitis. Current vaccine candidates are at best partially effective. This grant will examine the way that the virus enters, initially spreads within the skin and interacts with immune cells to help determine which cells should be stimulated by vaccines.
The Role Of Perivascular Macrophages In The Regulation Of CNS Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,609.00
Summary
Inflammation of the central nervous system can have deleterious consequences. How the inflammatory cascade operates within the CNS is poorly understood. We have recently discovered a novel subset of immune cells, the perivascular macrophage, which regulates the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Aim of this proposal is to dissect the role of these cells during brain infections and autoimmune inflammation.
A Novel Macrophage Lineage In Inflammation And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,857.00
Summary
Macrophages are an important haematopoietic cell type that has been implicated in inflammatory and cancerous diseases. In our preliminary work we have discovered a new macrophage subset, termed the perivascular macrophage, in breast cancer. The aim of this proposal is to investigate the origin of these cells, and the role they play in breast cancer. This will tell us how we might be able to manipulate the functions of these cells in order to curtail breast cancer progression.
Mechanisms Of Alpha-hemolysin Induced Immunoevasion By Staphylococcus Aureus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$465,475.00
Summary
S. aureus infections represent a serious global health problem. Currently, no vaccination is available demanding a better understanding of the immune response against this bacterium. We will test the hypothesis that S. aureus alpha-hemolysin represses the migration of innate immune cells to sites of cutaneous infection resulting in diminished immunity. Unraveling the mechanism behind this phenomenon will pave the way to better prophylactic and therapeutic measures against S. aureus infections.
Neutrophil Regulation Of Early Adaptive Immune Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,273.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to utilise novel mouse models and imaging techniques to unravel the role of an immune cell called neutrophil in controlling immune responses. We show that as the first cell to leave the site of bacterial infection neutrophils can orchestrate subsequent activation of other immune cells. We plan to investigate the mechanisms and consequences of this process with a view to uncover new neutrophil-based therapeutic strategies that would improve the management of inflammator ....The aim of this project is to utilise novel mouse models and imaging techniques to unravel the role of an immune cell called neutrophil in controlling immune responses. We show that as the first cell to leave the site of bacterial infection neutrophils can orchestrate subsequent activation of other immune cells. We plan to investigate the mechanisms and consequences of this process with a view to uncover new neutrophil-based therapeutic strategies that would improve the management of inflammatory diseases.Read moreRead less
Structural And Functional Investigation Of Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,966.00
Summary
Natural Killer (NK) cells are an important component of the immune response to cancer and infection. This project will define the molecular targets that are recognised by NK cells. This knowledge can then be used as a guide in the selection of bone marrow donors in the treatment of leukaemias as well as understanding how we fight infections.
The Unique Nature Of Gamma Delta T Cell Recognition Resolved Through Interaction With H2-Q10
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$699,031.00
Summary
The liver is important for both digestion and immunity. Given these opposing functions, the liver must exert control points that prevent the immune system from recognising food products. We have now identified a new molecular target that controls the development of immune cells in the liver.
Elucidating The Critical Roles Of ILC1, NK Cell And Innate Memory In Immune Protection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$657,024.00
Summary
Natural killer cells are innate cells that provide first line defense against infection and cancer. The recent discovery of a novel innate cell population has modified our vision of the early events necessary for immune protection. Understanding the role of these cells is critical as they could represent viable therapeutic targets. We have developed unique mouse models to experimentally target this population to determine how they are generated and their role in combating infection and cancer.
The Regulatory Role Of Clec12A In Antigen Presentation And Inflammatory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,381,077.00
Summary
The immune system maintains a balance between initiating immune responses to infections and suppressing immune responses in health. We have identified, on the surface of specialised immune cells, a protein that is critical for regulating immune responses and dampening down inflammation. This proposal aims to determine how this protein functions in health and under inflammatory conditions, and to develop approaches based on its molecular interactions to reduce inflammatory disease.
Immune Regulation Of Colitis And Associated Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$646,995.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease is a debilitating condition that can significantly increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer. There are many different cellular pathways that lead to this inflammation, but we have uncovered a key signal that can prevent it from occurring. Specifically, we have identified how this signal increases a new type of suppressive cell that fights inflammation in the colon and can also stop this leading cancer.