Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Mimetics With Anti-inflammatory Properties
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,500.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases are responsible for a high incidence of morbidity and mortality in our community. Immunosuppressive drugs-anti-inflammatory agents have played important roles in treatment of these diseases as well as in helping to prevent rejection of transplanted tissues-organs. There is an ongoing search by the medical community for better immunosuppressive drugs and agents for use for these purposes. Based on studies conducted in the last few years, we have partially identified structural ....Autoimmune diseases are responsible for a high incidence of morbidity and mortality in our community. Immunosuppressive drugs-anti-inflammatory agents have played important roles in treatment of these diseases as well as in helping to prevent rejection of transplanted tissues-organs. There is an ongoing search by the medical community for better immunosuppressive drugs and agents for use for these purposes. Based on studies conducted in the last few years, we have partially identified structural elements on polyunsatrated fatty acids (PUFA) which are responsible for specific biological functions. Using this information, we have synthesized a large panel of previously unavailable PUFA which we can use to target T lymphocytes and drive the biological activity of these compounds, preferentially towards immunosuppression. By conducting the research outlined in this project, we are likely to either identify a lead immunosuppressive compound or generate new information for further synthesis of PUFA-based compounds for further examination as potential immunosuppressive agents.Read moreRead less
MIF Regulation Of MKP-1 And Glucocorticoid Responses In RA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$398,156.00
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammatory disease which affects 1% of Australians. Up to 70% of patients are treated with 'steroids', which are drugs with major side effects. Recent research has shown that sensitivity to steroids is controlled by a number of natural proteins, and that balance between these proteins controls the effectiveness of steroids. The proposed research will define the interactions between these proteins.
Defining The Role Of GILZ In Inflammatory Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$675,030.00
Summary
Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Their action is based on effects on natural inflammation control pathways. One such pathway is that mediated by the protein known as GILZ (glucocorticoid induced leucine zipper). The function of this protein in disease is not well understood, and the research proposed here will increase understanding of its role. This knowledge could yield new treatments for arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.