A Structural Investigation Into The T-cell Response To Epstein Barr Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$549,000.00
Summary
X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as ....X-ray crystallography is an essential tool for solving the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Proteins control the biological processes within the cell and it is the precise shape of proteins that determines how they function. Depending on the particular sequence of the amino acids, the so-called building unit of the proteins, the protein molecule bends and forms a distinct, complex shape. This specific three-dimensional shape allows the protein to undertake its specific function, such as binding to other proteins, acting as an enzyme or interacting with nucleic acids. To determine how a protein acts, it is vital to know the precise three-dimensional shape at the atomic level. This proposal is concerned with understanding the precise shape of proteins that control the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus. Epstein Barr Virus is an ubiquitous human pathogen that has being linked to a number of cancers. This work will further our understanding of the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus.Read moreRead less
An investigation into CD1a, a versatile antigen-presenting molecule. This project aims to investigate how T lymphocytes are activated by lipids presented by the skin-associated antigen-presenting molecule, CD1a. Using X-ray crystallography and cellular immunology, we will provide fundamental insight into this poorly understood immunological axis. We will determine the molecular basis for how CD1a presents diverse self and foreign lipids, and how such CD1a-lipid complexes are recognised by the r ....An investigation into CD1a, a versatile antigen-presenting molecule. This project aims to investigate how T lymphocytes are activated by lipids presented by the skin-associated antigen-presenting molecule, CD1a. Using X-ray crystallography and cellular immunology, we will provide fundamental insight into this poorly understood immunological axis. We will determine the molecular basis for how CD1a presents diverse self and foreign lipids, and how such CD1a-lipid complexes are recognised by the responding T cells. This basic science discovery project will provide substantial new knowledge in the burgeoning field of lipid-mediated immunity, which should ultimately lead to new therapies targeting the CD1a lipid display molecule to either prevent immune mediated damage or promote protective immunity as required.Read moreRead less
Antigen Presentation, Recognition And The Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$14,927,045.00
Summary
This program focuses on understanding the development of immunity during infection or inflammatory diseases using a broad array of techniques to dissect the function of various immune cell types and to explore the relationship between structure and function of important cell surface molecules. These studies will improve our ability to design new generation vaccines for combating infectious diseases, controlling cancer, or limiting autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.
Investigating gamma/delta T cell receptor recognition determinants. The immune system has evolved to protect hosts from pathogens. T cells are a critical component of the immune system that can recognise infected host cells. However, there remains many facets of T cell function that we do not understand. This project aims to investigate a major aspect of T cell immunity that is poorly understood, namely, gamma/delta T cell immunity. Specifically, using a multi-disciplinary approach, the anticip ....Investigating gamma/delta T cell receptor recognition determinants. The immune system has evolved to protect hosts from pathogens. T cells are a critical component of the immune system that can recognise infected host cells. However, there remains many facets of T cell function that we do not understand. This project aims to investigate a major aspect of T cell immunity that is poorly understood, namely, gamma/delta T cell immunity. Specifically, using a multi-disciplinary approach, the anticipated outcome of the project is to unearth the molecular recognition determinants of gamma/delta T cells. The intended outcome is to provide basic fundamental insights and conceptual advances into a poorly understood, but crucial, component of the immune system. Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210101031
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$458,120.00
Summary
Defining the structural basis of lipid mediated T cell immunity. This project aims to undertake discovery research to investigate the molecular mechanisms underpinning the role of lipids in T cell immunity: an emerging area of immense biological significance. The anticipated goal is to generate new knowledge in the areas of the life sciences, by using a multidisciplinary approach that includes structural biology, mass spectrometry, biophysics, and cellular immunology, to gain fundamental insight ....Defining the structural basis of lipid mediated T cell immunity. This project aims to undertake discovery research to investigate the molecular mechanisms underpinning the role of lipids in T cell immunity: an emerging area of immense biological significance. The anticipated goal is to generate new knowledge in the areas of the life sciences, by using a multidisciplinary approach that includes structural biology, mass spectrometry, biophysics, and cellular immunology, to gain fundamental insight into molecular determinants that govern lipid mediated immunity. Expected outcomes and benefits of this project include building international and interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance national research capacity, and provide marked advancement of core knowledge in the biological sciences.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220101491
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,312.00
Summary
A molecular investigation into metabolite-mediated T cell immunity. This project aims to undertake discovery research to investigate the roles of metabolites in T cell immunity. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the areas of cellular biology and immunology by using cutting-edge molecular and immunological approaches. This will provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms that govern microbial metabolite-based T cell immunity, which may advise future research into vaccines or ....A molecular investigation into metabolite-mediated T cell immunity. This project aims to undertake discovery research to investigate the roles of metabolites in T cell immunity. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the areas of cellular biology and immunology by using cutting-edge molecular and immunological approaches. This will provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms that govern microbial metabolite-based T cell immunity, which may advise future research into vaccines or therapeutics. In addition to knowledge gains, expected outcomes of this project include the development of innovative methodology and building international collaborations to enhance national research capabilities. This will place Australia at the forefront of conceptually innovative discovery in the life sciences.Read moreRead less
Recognition of lipid antigens by the immune system. T cells are a critical component of the immune system, protecting against a range of pathogens by detecting and responding to foreign molecules. Despite their importance, there is still much to learn about how T cells function. New types of T cells that respond to bacteria-derived lipid molecules, have recently been identified. This project aims to undertake a molecular and functional investigation into lipid-reactive T cells. This will provide ....Recognition of lipid antigens by the immune system. T cells are a critical component of the immune system, protecting against a range of pathogens by detecting and responding to foreign molecules. Despite their importance, there is still much to learn about how T cells function. New types of T cells that respond to bacteria-derived lipid molecules, have recently been identified. This project aims to undertake a molecular and functional investigation into lipid-reactive T cells. This will provide basic fundamental insight into a poorly understood, but crucial, component of the immune system as well as an opportunity to ultimately develop novel lipid-based vaccines.Read moreRead less
A study into post-translational modifications on adaptive immunity. Using proteomics, structural biology and cellular immunology, this project aims to provide a greater understanding of the impact of PTMs on the immune system. The immune system combats pathogens by mounting T-cell responses against foreign antigens present in infected cells. However, T-cells activated by self-antigens that are inadvertently presented by healthy cells can cause aberrant T-cell reactivity and disease. Post-transla ....A study into post-translational modifications on adaptive immunity. Using proteomics, structural biology and cellular immunology, this project aims to provide a greater understanding of the impact of PTMs on the immune system. The immune system combats pathogens by mounting T-cell responses against foreign antigens present in infected cells. However, T-cells activated by self-antigens that are inadvertently presented by healthy cells can cause aberrant T-cell reactivity and disease. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are common in the host's proteins, but surprisingly little is known about their effect on T-cell immunity.Read moreRead less
A molecular and functional investigation of innate-like T cells of the immune system. This project will investigate innate-like T cells, which are at a crossroad between innate and adaptive immunity. A complete knowledge of the cellular function and balance of these cells will offer potential for new immunotherapies associated with infectious and autoimmune disorders.
Drivers of effective T cell immunity. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms underpinning an effective immune response. In doing so, the project expects to decipher the various determinants of T cell immunity and explore how these determinants are integrated to generate effective immunity. The project will use a multidisciplinary approach to investigate antigen abundance and developmental, structural, and molecular aspects of T cells, expecting to significantly enhance our fundamental u ....Drivers of effective T cell immunity. This project aims to investigate the mechanisms underpinning an effective immune response. In doing so, the project expects to decipher the various determinants of T cell immunity and explore how these determinants are integrated to generate effective immunity. The project will use a multidisciplinary approach to investigate antigen abundance and developmental, structural, and molecular aspects of T cells, expecting to significantly enhance our fundamental understanding of mechanisms underpinning functional T cell responses, build interdisciplinary collaborations, and significantly advance the field of T cell biology.Read moreRead less