Novel Perspectives On The Function Of AB5 Toxin B Subunits
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,041,896.00
Summary
AB5 toxins are important virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria. They comprise pentameric B subunits that bind to target cell surfaces and catalytic A subunits that damage host cell functions. This proposal examines a new paradigm wherein the B subunits are significant contributors to cell damage. We will characterize the cytopathic properties of diverse B subunits, particularly those of emerging toxins. This will provide novel insights into pathogenesis and inform development of therapeutics.
Multidrug Recognition And Resistance In Staphylococcus Aureus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,978.00
Summary
Strains of Staphylococcus aureus (Golden Staph), resistant to almost all available anti-staphylococcal agents, are responsible for serious infections among patients; in some hospitals such outbreaks reach epidemic proportions. Resistance has emerged to all classes of antimicrobial agents. We will increase our understanding of proteins that confer resistance by pumping multiple antimicrobials out of the cell to ultimately design more effective antibacterials able to bypass such drug pumps.
Combating The Reemergence Of Tuberculosis With New Vaccine Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
Tuberculosis is a major global public health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. This project aims to generate new, highly efficacious vaccination regimens against tuberculosis, especially pulmonary tuberculosis, which is the most difficult manifestation of the disease to control. The outcomes of this project have the potential to save millions of lives worldwide and to decrease socioeconomic burden of tuberculosis, particularly in the context of HIV co-infection.
Non-coding RNA Regulation Of Virulence In Enterohaemorrhagic E. Coli
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$389,313.00
Summary
Shiga toxins cause potentially fatal haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and are transferred between bacterial pathogens by bacteriophage (bacterial viruses). We have recently found that the Shiga toxin encoding bacteriophage encodes an unusually large number of non-coding RNAs (RNA regulators of gene expression). This Project aims to understand how these RNA regulators benefit the Shiga toxin bacteriophage and use this knowledge to develop interventions that will prevent expression of the toxin.
Clinical And Genomic Aspects Of Staphylococcus Aureus And Other Infectious Diseases In Northern Australia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
The burden of infectious disease is high in Indigenous populations in northern Australia and patterns of disease differ. My research proposes to deepen our understanding of infectious diseases such as that due to Staphylococcus aureus (golden staph), hepatitis B and influenza by applying cutting-edge technologies (e.g., bacterial genomics) to answer clinically relevant questions. Ultimately I hope to prevent transmission of infections, improve vaccine strategies and find better targets for treat ....The burden of infectious disease is high in Indigenous populations in northern Australia and patterns of disease differ. My research proposes to deepen our understanding of infectious diseases such as that due to Staphylococcus aureus (golden staph), hepatitis B and influenza by applying cutting-edge technologies (e.g., bacterial genomics) to answer clinically relevant questions. Ultimately I hope to prevent transmission of infections, improve vaccine strategies and find better targets for treatment.Read moreRead less
Impact Of Influenza A Infection On T Cell-mediated Immunity To Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$488,058.00
Summary
Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death worldwide and there is an urgent need to develop better anti-TB vaccines. Infection with respiratory viruses may reduce memory T cell responses to M. tuberculosis (Mtb). This project will investigate if Influenza A infection reduces memory anti-tuberculosis T cell responses in mice previously exposed to Mtb or BCG. We will then use influenza viruses engineered to carry parts of Mtb proteins to boost anti-Mtb T cell responses and the protective effect of B ....Tuberculosis is a leading cause of death worldwide and there is an urgent need to develop better anti-TB vaccines. Infection with respiratory viruses may reduce memory T cell responses to M. tuberculosis (Mtb). This project will investigate if Influenza A infection reduces memory anti-tuberculosis T cell responses in mice previously exposed to Mtb or BCG. We will then use influenza viruses engineered to carry parts of Mtb proteins to boost anti-Mtb T cell responses and the protective effect of BCG.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Novel Gonococcal Virulence Factors And Vaccine Antigens Based On Their Expression During Host Cell Contact And Their Role In Association, Invasion And Survival In Cervical Epithelia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,922.00
Summary
The sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea is a significant health problem worldwide. Control of gonorrhoea depends on the development of a vaccine due to the continuing increase of antibiotic resistance and the staggering outcomes of infection, including infertility and increased transmission of HIV. My research aims to discover new vaccine targets by identifying gonococcal proteins that are required for interaction with human cervical cells.