Blood Group Antigen Recognition By Group A Streptococcus Mediates Host Colonisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$470,821.00
Summary
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is responsible for approximately 700 million cases of localised infection and 600,000 cases of invasive infection globally each year. Certain bacteria have been shown to recognise sugars (known as glycans) on host cells. This project will look at how GAS use sugars at the surface of host cells to initiate disease, and determine if differences in the types of sugars present on host cells alter the ability of GAS to initiate infection.
A Novel Paradigm For Immunity And Vaccine Development Against Group A Streptococcus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$491,229.00
Summary
Serious disease caused by the group A streptococcus (GAS) is responsible for more than 500,000 deaths per year. With no effective control strategies available, a vaccine is urgently needed. One vaccine shows great promise, but there are concerns it may not cover all GAS strains. Our project aims to show that the vaccine may in fact have very broad coverage because of cross-protection between strains using natural immunity model, and may lead to a new paradigm in understanding of GAS immunity.
The Development Of Novel Antibody Constructs And Peptides To Prevent Pathogenic Modulation Of The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,825.00
Summary
The current lack of effective vaccines, as well as the emergence of drug resistance, underpins the need for the development of novel therapeutics to treat bacterial infections and malaria. In this project, I will be using computer-based molecular modelling techniques to design novel antimicrobial treatments.
Interaction Of Group A Streptococci With Intracellular Innate Immune Defence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$824,252.00
Summary
The pathogenic bacterium group A streptococcus (GAS) is estimated to cause ~700 million cases of self-limited throat or skin infection each year worldwide. GAS infections result in over 600,000 human deaths. This disease burden places GAS in the “top 10” causes of human infectious disease deaths worldwide. We have discovered a hitherto unknown mechanism by which GAS subvert the human immune system. An improved understanding of this mechanism will lead to novel ways to combat GAS infections.
Worldwide Molecular Analysis Of Streptococcus Pyogenes Scarlet Fever Outbreaks
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,041.00
Summary
The microorganism group A Streptococcus (also called GAS or Streptococcus pyogenes) ranks among the top 10 infectious disease killers of humans. Recently, outbreaks of scarlet fever have occurred in both Asia and the United Kingdom, placing a serious strain on health systems. The reasons underlying these outbreaks remain unknown. Our team will lead the global effort to characterise this rise in scarlet fever, and provide recommendations and solutions to health professionals.
Characterising The Molecular Pathogenesis Of Newly Emergent Invasive Group A Streptococcus M4 Serotypes In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,756.00
Summary
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen of global significance, responsible for life-threatening invasive infections such as flesh-eating disease (>650,000 cases per year), with a mortality rate of 25%. A recent outbreak of serotype M4 GAS caused severe invasive infections in Queensland Australia. The aim of this work is to determine how M4 GAS causes invasive disease. Understanding this mechanism will allow the development of new generation therapeutics, treatments and improved healt ....Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogen of global significance, responsible for life-threatening invasive infections such as flesh-eating disease (>650,000 cases per year), with a mortality rate of 25%. A recent outbreak of serotype M4 GAS caused severe invasive infections in Queensland Australia. The aim of this work is to determine how M4 GAS causes invasive disease. Understanding this mechanism will allow the development of new generation therapeutics, treatments and improved health outcomes.Read moreRead less