The Role Of Stellate Cells In Fibrosis And Liver Disease Progression In HIV-Hepatitis B Co-infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$157,292.00
Summary
Liver related mortality is the commonest cause of non-AIDS death in HIV infected individuals on treatment. With HIV, HBV liver damage is accelerated and liver-related mortality increased. Understanding how and why is critical to management. I will examine the role of hepatic stellate cells using in vitro models and directly ex vivo from infected patient biopsy tissue. I will investigate the activated of these cells by HIV and HBV infection, thus promoting scar formation with liver injury.
Defining The Interaction Of HIV With The Interferon System In Initial Mucosal Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$867,716.00
Summary
Very early after virus exposure, immune cells secrete interferons that help limit the spread of viruses within the body. We will investigate the complex interplay between HIV and the interferon system, especially how HIV inhibits the early induction of interferon to aid its spread and then how the body later restores the interferon response. We will also examine how HIV manipulates the interferon system in order to persistent latent reservoirs within tissues.
Control Of Combined Simian-human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Utilising NK Cells Mediating Antigen-specific Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity - A Novel Vaccine Modality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,587.00
Summary
Recently, progress was made in developing a vaccine against HIV. Our laboratory was selected to join a global collaboration trying to elucidate the key to this success. Attention has focused on non-neutralizing antibodies and our laboratory has developed a unique expertise in detecting such immune responses. This research will define, purify and manufacture these antibodies and test their ability to prevent HIV in animals with the ultimate aim of producing a vaccine for human use.