Characterization And Targeting Of Precursor Exhausted T Cells (TPEX) For The Treatment Of Chronic Infection And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,009.00
Summary
The recent discovery of precursor exhausted CD8 T cells (TPEX) has not only allowed us to conceptualize our understanding of how chronic T cell responses are maintained over long periods of time, but also resulted in a new understanding of the mechanisms underpinning checkpoint inhibition. I will undertake critical characterization of these TPEX in chronic viral infections with the goal to reveal phenotypic and functional properties, which will serve as potential novel targets for immunotherapy.
Molecular Diagnosis And Therapy Of Autoimmune Disease Using Translational And Reverse Translational Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,331,372.00
Summary
We plan to translate our recent discoveries on human gene variants and molecules produced by immune cells (follicular T cells) into effective therapies for autoimmune diseases. This will involve understanding the mechanisms by which the genes and molecules regulate immune tolerance, stratifying patients with autoimmune disease using newly identified biomarkers, trialling existing biologicals according to affected molecular pathway, and taking novel targets through to commercialisation.
The Role Of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells In Protective And Aberrant Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$620,205.00
Summary
Despite their prevalence and potential therapeutic value, MAIT cells remain the least studied of all T cells. This program seeks to do paradigm shifting research into the role of MAIT cells in protective immunity to microbes and allergies. Thereby this project will significantly advance fundamental knowledge on MAIT cell biology and could furnish novel immunotherapeutic agents with an enormous potential as alternatives to microbial and allergy treatments, areas of tremendous clinical need.
Targeting Vitamin-reactive T Cells For Enhanced Immunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,590,576.00
Summary
A specialised set of T cells called mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells react against bacteria and yeast, and reside at mucosal sites where the body's immune defences are often breached, e.g. respiratory tract and intestinal mucosa. This study seeks to define the molecular signals driving the function of MAIT cells, particularly during infections. This information may lead to methods tailored to manipulating MAIT cells therapeutically.
Understanding Immunity To Influenza B Viruses For A Rationally Designed Universal Vaccine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Influenza B viruses (IBV) circulate annually and are particularly prevalent and severe in children. However, IBV remain largely understudied. Our immune system provides protection against IBV via a variety of mechanisms. This study will characterize the immunity to IBV and dissect host-virus interactions which provide protection from IBV infection. This project will inform the rational design of novel vaccines eliciting universal immunity to IBV, with an ultimate goal of controlling IBV.
Understanding And Harnessing Immunity To Fight Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,138,220.00
Summary
Novel cancer therapies aimed at stimulating the body's immune defence have shown remarkable clinical success, although the immune mechanisms that can prevent disease recurrence remain poorly understood. Our study will fill this important gap in knowledge by elucidating the mechanisms of efficient immune protection from skin cancer and metastatic disease. As such, our results will be important for the development and improvement of innovative cancer therapies.