Investigation Of Cellular Abnormalities And Synapse Formation In DOCK8 Immunodeficiency
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,284.00
Summary
Why do some people get allergies? Or serious infections? To investigate this we will study mice and humans with a mutation in the DOCK8 gene. People with mutations in the DOCK8 gene get Hyper-IgE Syndrome and develop severe viral infections of the skin as well as allergic disease. By investigating how DOCK8 works in the cells of the immune system, we hope to understand why these infections and allergies occur and find out why these problems can also happen in those without this specific genetic ....Why do some people get allergies? Or serious infections? To investigate this we will study mice and humans with a mutation in the DOCK8 gene. People with mutations in the DOCK8 gene get Hyper-IgE Syndrome and develop severe viral infections of the skin as well as allergic disease. By investigating how DOCK8 works in the cells of the immune system, we hope to understand why these infections and allergies occur and find out why these problems can also happen in those without this specific genetic defect.Read moreRead less
Role For Sphingosine Kinase-1 In Endothelial Progenitor Cell Survival And Differentiation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$294,205.00
Summary
Lay description: Collectively, diseases of the vascular system contribute immensely to the burden of health care in Australia. Notably, abnormal blood vessel formation and function (angiogenesis) has been identified as a major cause or contributor to the vascular complications associated with inflammation, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Endothelial cells are one of the principle cells of blood vessels forming a barrier between the blood and tissues. This project aims to understand th ....Lay description: Collectively, diseases of the vascular system contribute immensely to the burden of health care in Australia. Notably, abnormal blood vessel formation and function (angiogenesis) has been identified as a major cause or contributor to the vascular complications associated with inflammation, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Endothelial cells are one of the principle cells of blood vessels forming a barrier between the blood and tissues. This project aims to understand the process whereby mature endothelial cells are formed and how replacement of damaged endothelial cells is normally achieved. Stem cell therapy is considered the new frontier for the treatment of many diseases. Understanding how endothelial progenitor cells differentiate to mature endothelial cells and the signals which operate inside the cell may allow therapeutic manipulation of key target moecules in order to limit or control inflammation, tumourigenesis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic retinopathy. Our results suggest that one target maybe the enzyme sphingosine kinase.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Role Of Innate Immune Cells In Regulating Gut-associated Lymphoid Tissues At Steady-state And In Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,126.00
Summary
The intestine is the largest surface area forming a protective barrier between the external environment and the body. It represents the first line of defence against invading pathogens. The immune system of the intestine is critical to protect this tissue -any breakdown leads to profound and progressive inflammatory disease of the gut such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Our work will determine the critical the mechanisms that protect the gut opening the door to targeted intestinal immuno ....The intestine is the largest surface area forming a protective barrier between the external environment and the body. It represents the first line of defence against invading pathogens. The immune system of the intestine is critical to protect this tissue -any breakdown leads to profound and progressive inflammatory disease of the gut such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Our work will determine the critical the mechanisms that protect the gut opening the door to targeted intestinal immunotherapeutics.Read moreRead less