Interferon Epsilon, A Key Cytokine In The Pathophysiology Of The Female Reproductive Tract Mucosa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$793,303.00
Summary
The female reproductive tract is a complex environment, which permits pregnancy but protects against infections, all under the influence of hormones and the resident microbial flora. We have discovered a novel protein called interferon epsilon that acts on cells in the female reproductive tract to regulate protection against infections. We aim to discover how this new protein works and will determine its therapeutic potential in infections and inflammatory diseases affecting women's health.
The Consequences Of Innate Immune Inflammatory Responses During Early Pregnancy And Their Effect On Reproductive Outcomes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,788.00
Summary
The mother's immune system can tolerate the growth of an ostensibly foreign fetus during pregnancy, yet remain vigilant to pathogenic challenge. We will investigate whether exposure to viral infections during early pregnancy leads to maternal and fetal inflammation which then impacts adversely on reproductive outcomes including fetal development and life-long health of offspring. Answers to these questions will contribute in designing effective interventions to limit the potential for detrimenta ....The mother's immune system can tolerate the growth of an ostensibly foreign fetus during pregnancy, yet remain vigilant to pathogenic challenge. We will investigate whether exposure to viral infections during early pregnancy leads to maternal and fetal inflammation which then impacts adversely on reproductive outcomes including fetal development and life-long health of offspring. Answers to these questions will contribute in designing effective interventions to limit the potential for detrimental outcomes.Read moreRead less
This research deals with the interaction between the reproductive system and the immune system, providing a unique perspective on two biological systems that are normally considered separately. This research may help to improve the treatment of infertility, reproductive tract infections and testicular cancer, but may also lead to new treatments for inflammatory diseases that hospitalise or kill many thousands of patients each year, and for preventing graft failure in transplant recipients.
Development Of Novel Vaccine Strategies To Prevent Genital Tract Chlamydial Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,556.00
Summary
Genital tract chlamydial infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease world wide with 4-5 million cases occurring annually throughout the world. The incidence of chlamydial infection is increasing in the Australian population. The majority of infections in women are asymptomatic and, if untreated, go on to cause pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. These conditions can be life threatening and are a significant public health cost. In the proposal ....Genital tract chlamydial infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease world wide with 4-5 million cases occurring annually throughout the world. The incidence of chlamydial infection is increasing in the Australian population. The majority of infections in women are asymptomatic and, if untreated, go on to cause pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. These conditions can be life threatening and are a significant public health cost. In the proposal we will develop novel vaccine strategies, involving both intranasal immunisation and immunisation by direct application to the skin, to induce protection against genital tract chlamydial infection. These studies will lay the basis for human trials of a vaccine to prevent what is now the most common STD in Australia. Such a vaccine to target this chronic infection would represent a major advance in preventive healthcare for the maintenance of good health.Read moreRead less
Peri-conception Determinants Of Reproductive And Pregnancy Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,560,520.00
Summary
Reproductive and pregnancy disorders are common in Australian men and women, with 6% couples seeking infertility services and another 30% experiencing recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia or preterm birth, often resulting in life-time health problems for children, and sometimes stillbirth. This research will investigate the immune causes of these conditions, and the results will contribute to new health tools, diagnostics and medical treatments to support maternal and infant health.
The Consequences Of Innate Anti-viral Effector Responses On Reproductive Outcomes In Placental Mammals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$328,060.00
Summary
The mother's immune system can tolerate the growth of an ostensibly foreign fetus during pregnancy. We will investigate whether exposure to viral infections either just before or during pregnancy can result in reduced fertility and whether it may affect fetal growth and development. These results will contribute in designing effective interventions to limit any potential detrimental outcomes.
Mechanisms And Utilisation Of IFN-epsilon-mediated Protection Against Chlamydia Reproductive Tract Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,486.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia ST ....Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia STDs.Read moreRead less
A Novel Reproductive Tract Factor That Protects Against Chlamydia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$541,133.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia ST ....Chlamydia is a common cause of sexually transmitted diseases resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. There are no vaccines that prevent infection or disease. We have discovered a new factor in the immune system (interferon-epsilon) that only occurs in the reproductive tract. If this factor is absent then Chlamydia infections are more severe. We will investigate how this factor protects against infection and if we can use it as a new agent against Chlamydia STDs.Read moreRead less
I am a reproductive biologist - reproductive immunologist investigating the role of the female immune response and its cellular and molecular agents in establishing pregnancy. My research spans basic science and clinical and commercial transfer, and aims to improve our understanding of the factors determining optimal reproductive health in women leading to better treatments for infertility and pathologies of pregnancy, and the best possible health outcomes for babies and children.