Diabolic Regulation Of Macrophage Cell Death Pathways By Legionella
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,912.00
Summary
The bacterial pathogen Legionella causes fatal pneumonia in immuno-compromised humans. Infections depend on a sophisticated secretion machinery that translocates hundreds of proteins into host cells. These proteins subvert several essential defense pathways, including cell death signals. This project will highlight how Legionella interfere with cell death pathways and control the survival of its host cells. These findings will facilitate the development of promising new anti-bacterial agents.
Characterization Of A Novel Secretion And Attachment System Necessary For The Formation Of A Virulence Coat In Porphyromonas Gingivalis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$828,857.00
Summary
In this study we will characterize a novel bacterial secretion system that we have discovered. This system mediates the secretion of proteins from the bacterial cell and their attachment to the cell surface. This system is essential for the virulence of a bacterium associated with severe gum disease. The chacterization of this system may offer opportunities for the development of new treatments to target this disease.
The Role Of N-linked Protein Glycosylation In Campylobacter Jejuni Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$757,600.00
Summary
Protein glycosylation is crucial in enabling C. jejuni to colonize poultry, which is the most common route to human infection. The roles played by this modification remain almost completely unknown yet are likely to be multi-factorial. This project will determine the function of glycosylation and thus lead to eventual interventions aimed at reducing the organism in poultry for human consumption.
Mechanisms Of Immune-evasion By Group A Streptococcus During Skin Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,609.00
Summary
Infections by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), or Streptococcus pyogenes, represent a global health concern. Currently no vaccine exists against GAS thereby mandating a better understanding of the immune response against the bacterium. Using in vivo microscopy, the aim of this proposal is to dissect in real time how neutrophils detect and destroy GAS following skin infection, and how the bacterium manages to circumvent the attack by innate immune cells.
Role Of Autotransporter Proteins In Uropathogenic E. Coli Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$611,149.00
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common infectious diseases of humans. Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), the primary cause of UTI, utilize a range of adherence mechanisms to colonize the urinary tract. In this project we will characterise the function and mode of secretion for one important class of UPEC adherence factors – autotransporter proteins. This work may inform new approaches to prevent UTI, an urgent need given the rapid increase in resistance to antibiotics among UPEC.
Uncovering Novel Roles Of Escherichia Coli Flagella And LPS In Uropathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$404,677.00
Summary
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common infectious diseases in humans. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cause most UTI. UPEC produce factors that promote their survival and influence disease such as flagella. We have identified anti-inflammatory responses as a key element of UTI and have shown that these responses contribute to control of UTI. In this project, we will investigate how the UPEC flagella component, FliC, contributes to anti-inflammatory responses and what this means for UTI.
Understanding The Impact Of Epigenetic Gene Regulation On Helicobacter Pylori Persistence And Pathogenesis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$757,896.00
Summary
Helicobacter pylori is a highly persistent pathogen and remains a significant problem worldwide, causing gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. This project will increase our understanding of how H. pylori infection persists for the life of its human host and will provide knowledge that is critical in developing new strategies for preventing these infections.
Fungal Determinants And Host Cell Death Signals In Fatal Candida Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$654,091.00
Summary
Fungal pathogens are a major burden in hospital settings as they evade the immune system and cause lethal sepsis. This project will determine the molecular factors utilized by the fungal pathogen Candida to kill host immune cells. We will investigate whether immune cell death contributes to the high fatality rate, commonly associated with systemic Candida infections, and whether this can be targeted by novel therapeutics.
ROLE OF RIP KINASES & IAPs IN MUCOSAL IMMUNE DEFENCE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,168.00
Summary
Pathogenic bacteria are master manipulators of the inflammatory signalling pathways designed to thwart them. Understanding how they do this will allow us to develop drugs that limit their ability to infect. We have shown that pathogenic bacteria inject a protein called EspL into human cells to promote the destruction of a family of human proteins, called RIP Kinases (RIPK), that co-ordinate the inflammatory response and aim now to discover how EspL causes RIPK degradation and thereby promotes in ....Pathogenic bacteria are master manipulators of the inflammatory signalling pathways designed to thwart them. Understanding how they do this will allow us to develop drugs that limit their ability to infect. We have shown that pathogenic bacteria inject a protein called EspL into human cells to promote the destruction of a family of human proteins, called RIP Kinases (RIPK), that co-ordinate the inflammatory response and aim now to discover how EspL causes RIPK degradation and thereby promotes infection.Read moreRead less
Death Receptor Signaling During E. Coli And Salmonella Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,076.00
Summary
Upon encountering invading microorganisms, the body’s immune system usually initiates an inflammatory response to recruit populations of immune cells to the site of infection. To counter this attack, many bacterial pathogens have evolved distinct ways of disarming the inflammatory response. We are investigating the discovery that gastrointestinal bacteria such as Salmonella and pathogenic E. coli specifically interfere with the messages sent by the body’s innate sensors to recruit killer immune ....Upon encountering invading microorganisms, the body’s immune system usually initiates an inflammatory response to recruit populations of immune cells to the site of infection. To counter this attack, many bacterial pathogens have evolved distinct ways of disarming the inflammatory response. We are investigating the discovery that gastrointestinal bacteria such as Salmonella and pathogenic E. coli specifically interfere with the messages sent by the body’s innate sensors to recruit killer immune cells.Read moreRead less