Immunological Studies Of Adjutant Induced Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,104.00
Summary
This project stems from our interest in rheumatoid arthritis and a number of other forms of arthritis that affect many joints in a symmetrical fashion (the polyarthritides). In most instances, there is evidence that the diseases are caused by an attack on the joint lining (the synovium) by cells of the immune system. Rheumatoid arthriis is the most common and often the most severe of the polyarthritides. Neither the triggering event nor the target of the attack by the immune system is understood ....This project stems from our interest in rheumatoid arthritis and a number of other forms of arthritis that affect many joints in a symmetrical fashion (the polyarthritides). In most instances, there is evidence that the diseases are caused by an attack on the joint lining (the synovium) by cells of the immune system. Rheumatoid arthriis is the most common and often the most severe of the polyarthritides. Neither the triggering event nor the target of the attack by the immune system is understood and as a result, there are no specific preventative measures against the disease or specific therapies for the established disease. There is, however, strong evidence that the cells involved in the attack on the synovium are orchestrated by a white blood cell called the T lymphocyte. T lymphocytes cannot operate alone but require a second cell, the dendritic cell, to present the target in a special way which can be recognised and responded to by the T lymphocyte. The T cell and the dendritic cell are the two central aspects of this project. We will use an animal model of polyarthritis to allow access to these cells during the earliest phases of the disease, a silent period not recognisable in the earliest stages of rheumatoid arthritis. T lymphocytes from animals with experimental polyarthritis will be used as indicators in the search for the target of the disease process and dendritic cells from affected joints will be used as a natural source of that target. By the production of highly specific T lymphocytes (members of clones), we hope to identify the target molecules of the disease process. This information should lead ultimately to the identification of the triggering stimulus (and thence prevention) and to the development of highly specific therapies designed to treat the established disease.Read moreRead less
Glycotherapeutics; A New Class Of Treatment For Alphavirus-induced Musculoskeletal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$449,868.00
Summary
The hallmark of alphavirus disease is crippling pain and joint arthritis, which often has an extended duration. Currently there is no licenced specific treatment for alphavirus disease and the increasing spread of infection highlights an urgent need for therapeutic intervention strategies. This grant looks at the potential of pentosan polysulfate as a promising drug-repurposing candidate for the treatment of alphavirus-induced arthritis.
The Role Of Innate Inflammatory Responses In Viral Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,514.00
Summary
Viruses are known to cause arthritis (HIV, hepatitis viruses, mosquito borne viruses). Symptoms of viral arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The mechanism of disease is poorly understood. We have developed a novel animal model of disease and human cell culture models by which to study disease caused by viral infections. This models provide an excellent opportunity to explore the mechanisms of rheumatic disease in a functioning animal and to explore new treatment regimes.