Comparative Pathophysiology And Clinical Epidemiology Of Knowlesi Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$267,172.00
Summary
The simian parasite P. knowlesi is the most common cause of malaria in Malaysia and can cause severe and fatal disease. We are currently conducting a study of all malaria patients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in Sabah, Malaysia. This will allow us to describe the epidemiological and clinical features of the hospitalised patients, including changes over time. We are also conducting novel pathophysiological studies which will allow us to understand how P. knowlesi causes sever disease.
Emerging Infectious Neurological Diseases In Australia; From Enhanced Recognition To Improved Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,384.00
Summary
Infectious neurological diseases(IND) such as encephalitis are severe and frequently cause long term disability. New IND like Zika pose a real threat. During his PhD, Dr Britton identified outbreaks of encephalitis in children and described serious consequences. Here, Dr Britton proposes to extend his work across all ages, include other types of IND and explore novel methods to detect outbreaks. He will work with experts at leading national research centres in surveillance and infectious disease
Export Of Effector Proteins By P. Falciparum To The Infected Erythrocyte.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,582.00
Summary
Infection by the malaria parasite has lethal consequences for humans. In order to survive the parasite exports hundreds of proteins to commandeer the erythrocyte. A translocon that mediates such export has been identified and important questions remain unanswered. In this research, I aim to determine the function of one of the major translocon components for export of proteins to the erythrocyte (EXP2) and through this process determine if it is a viable target for anti-malarial drug development ....Infection by the malaria parasite has lethal consequences for humans. In order to survive the parasite exports hundreds of proteins to commandeer the erythrocyte. A translocon that mediates such export has been identified and important questions remain unanswered. In this research, I aim to determine the function of one of the major translocon components for export of proteins to the erythrocyte (EXP2) and through this process determine if it is a viable target for anti-malarial drug development.Read moreRead less
Causes And Consequences Of Acute Encephalitis In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$251,695.00
Summary
This study involves a national surveillance of children hospitalised with inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) to identify new and emerging causes of acute encephalitis in children, opportunities for treatment and prevention and also to study the long term outcome of this brain damaging condition. This information will be helpful to better understand the disease and would be used to develop clinical guidelines, policy and public health interventions.
A Study Of The Function Of Neuronal Apoptosis Inhibitory Proteins (NAIP) In Innate Immunity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$242,696.00
Summary
The innate immune system is the first line of defence against infection and cancer. Regulation of the immune system is extremely important as too little response can lead to severe infections, whilst too much response can lead to chronic inflammatory disease. This project will examine the role of �neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein� in the immune system, which should provide information on regulation of innate immunity, as well as provide insight to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
Targeting The Human Immune Response To Bacterial Superantigens.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$165,424.00
Summary
This research investigates the human immune response to infection with toxin producing bacteria. Toxins activate the human immune system which can lead to serious illness or the development of disease that can progress rapidly and be associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Investigating the harmful effects of infection with toxin producing bacteria in humans and the damage caused by their toxins is essential for the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
Investigation And Therapeutic Targeting Of The Immune Mechanisms That Predispose To And Increase The Severity Of Influenza In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$326,097.00
Summary
In pregnancy there is suppression of maternal immunity to enable fetal implantation and growth. Respiratory viruses, like influenza, take advantage of these changes and cause infections that are more severe in pregnant women, affecting them and their babies. In this project we aim to identify specific immune responses against viruses that are reduced in pregnancy that can be selectively boosted. This has the potential to protect against viruses without affecting the pregnancy or baby.
Plasticity Of Cone Bipolar Cells In Retinas With Visual Dysfunction.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$328,261.00
Summary
Advances in stem cell research and gene therapy have shown great promise in their application to eye disorders that lead to blindness. This project will examine the capacity of nerve cells in the eye to remodel in the presence of visual dysfunction and subsequent recovery after gene therapy. The results from this study will therefore benefit current approaches employed for the reestablishment of vision in eye diseases.
Combating Infectious Diseases: Eco-Epidemiology, Disease Mapping, And Travel Medicine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,644.00
Summary
Infectious disease outbreaks are driven by complex interactions between humans, animals, vectors, and the environment. Globally, outbreaks have been increasing in frequency and magnitude, e.g. Ebola and SARS. There is an urgent need to improve public health intelligence by accurately identifying the causes, timing, and hotspots. This project will develop advanced modelling strategies for improving our understanding of outbreaks, and optimise public health interventions to protect human health.