Immune responses to pathogens are generated in lymphoid tissues that are innervated by the sympathetic nervous system, which functions during times of stress or infection. Very little is known about the impact of the sympathetic nervous system on immune cell functions during responses to pathogens. This project will test the hypothesis that nervous signals can influence lymphocyte behaviour and that pharmaceutical intervention could augment immunity to infections.
Cell Pedigree Tracking To Elucidate How Polarity Proteins Alter Fate In B-cell Development And Leukaemia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
During the onset of cancer, the orientation of cells is lost. My research project aims to determine the cellular and molecular basis by which proteins responsible for the orientation of cells are involved in leukaemia. Additionally, my work will investigate whether or not all proteins are equally distributed during cell division in B cell development, and will provide a platform for further investigation into how protein distribution might orchestrate fate decisions during development and leukae ....During the onset of cancer, the orientation of cells is lost. My research project aims to determine the cellular and molecular basis by which proteins responsible for the orientation of cells are involved in leukaemia. Additionally, my work will investigate whether or not all proteins are equally distributed during cell division in B cell development, and will provide a platform for further investigation into how protein distribution might orchestrate fate decisions during development and leukaemia.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Kdm1a In Epigenetic Regulation Of Virus-specific T Cell Differentiation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$510,982.00
Summary
Recovery from infection, or vaccination, results in the establishment of protective immunity that persists for the life of an individual. Unfortunately, our understanding of how protective immunity is established and maintained after infection or vaccination is lacking. This proposal will determine whether specific enzymes involved in rewriting the genetic blueprint are key for establishing and maintaining this protective capacity. Understanding these mechanisms has implications for vaccination ....Recovery from infection, or vaccination, results in the establishment of protective immunity that persists for the life of an individual. Unfortunately, our understanding of how protective immunity is established and maintained after infection or vaccination is lacking. This proposal will determine whether specific enzymes involved in rewriting the genetic blueprint are key for establishing and maintaining this protective capacity. Understanding these mechanisms has implications for vaccination and improved immunotherapy strategies for cancer.Read moreRead less
Despite recent advances in therapeutic options, chronic viral infections, including infection with hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus, continue to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia and affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. This R&D program aims to develop a cheaper drug formulation that is easier to deliver and more stable for transport to remote areas.
Structure And Interactions Of A Disordered Malaria Surface Protein: Implications For Antigenicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,020.00
Summary
Malaria is responsible for around 2 million deaths annually, many in children under 5 years of age. Merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2) from Plasmodium falciparum is being developed as a vaccine candidate. We will investigate the structure of MSP2 in various environments, including when bound to inhibitory antibodies. Key goals are to understand how the disordered structure of MSP2 affects its interaction with the host immune system and how that information can be used to design better vaccines.
Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles As Immunomodulatory Agents In Helicobacter Pylori Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,510.00
Summary
Chronic inflammation of the stomach is a hallmark of Helicobacter pylori infection, and is a precursor to peptic ulcer disease and cancer. Like many other bacteria, H. pylori sheds spherical blebs from its surface. These blebs bind to stomach cells in vitro and have been found in stomach biopsies of H. pylori-infected subjects. The aims of the work are to investigate the mechanisms whereby H. pylori blebs enter and disseminate within host cells, and how this may contribute to inflammation.
Understanding heat shock protein complex vaccines. This project aims to understand the mechanism of action and formulation requirements of a novel vaccine technology that utilises heat shock protein complexes. By understanding how this technology works, future vaccines can be improved to induce the immune response required to target specific pathogens, as well as give assurance regarding its safety.