Characterization Of Cellular Inflammatory Responses Underlying Acute Viral Bronchiolitis In Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,224.00
Summary
This project seeks to characterize the inflammatory mechanisms triggered during severe respiratory virus infections that result in hospitalization of infants. These are associated with later development of asthma. We aim to identify new molecular targets for anti-inflammatory drug development, with the long term goals of improving treatment for acute disease, and prevention of subsequent asthma.
Maternal Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy Influences Offspring Atopy And Asthma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$46,622.00
Summary
Allergic diseases such as food allergy and asthma have increased significantly as our exposure to bacteria has reduced. Many studies have explored exposure to bacteria in early life but few have examined the maternal bacteria we are exposed to while we develop in the womb. New studies indicate that we are exposed to many different components of our mothers gut bacteria and this might change our developing immune system and determine whether or not we get diseases like food allergy and asthma.
Towards Improved Respiratory Outcomes In Preterm Infants Through Rapid And Effective Aerosalisation Of Medication To The Lung
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Babies born premature are greatest at risk from increasingly common respiratory illnesses. It is possible that delivering a medication by aerosol will be the most effective method of treatment. For premature babies that need breathing support, inhaled medication could improve care. For highly infectious respiratory illnesses such as RSV, with no vaccines available, we need to protect babies very early in life. I will use an established lamb model to test fast medication delivery to the lungs.
The Role Of Emerging Gastrointestinal Viruses In The First Two Years Of Life: A Birth Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$392,534.00
Summary
Gastro illnesses are common and potentially serious early in life. We are aiming to find out more about these illnesses by following ~140 children from birth to their second birthday, with parents collecting a dirty nappy swab every week. Our laboratory will test these samples for a wide range of known and new gastro viruses, and we will also be looking for, as yet, undiscovered viruses. This information will allow us to document the burden of these illnesses in young children and their families ....Gastro illnesses are common and potentially serious early in life. We are aiming to find out more about these illnesses by following ~140 children from birth to their second birthday, with parents collecting a dirty nappy swab every week. Our laboratory will test these samples for a wide range of known and new gastro viruses, and we will also be looking for, as yet, undiscovered viruses. This information will allow us to document the burden of these illnesses in young children and their families.Read moreRead less
The Relationship Between Maternal And Infant Dietary Intake Of Fermentable Fibre, Gut Microbiota, Short Chain Fatty Acids And Allergic Disease And Asthma: A Population-derived Birth Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$871,700.00
Summary
The proposed study will involve the Barwon Infant Study (BIS) cohort of 1074 infants to provide the first systematic investigation of the hypotheses that the epidemic of allergic disease and asthma in many parts of the world relates to the paucity of fermentable fibre in the modern diet, and that the protective effect of fermentable fibre is mediated by changes in the organisms that colonise the gut and the metabolites that they produce.
Modified Peanut Allergen Combined With A Novel Dietary Adjuvant As A Cure For Peanut Allergy: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,130,021.00
Summary
Peanut allergy is common and there is no cure. Current studies of peanut immunotherapy have shown the effects are not generally long lasting with many side effects. We plan to study a novel form of oral peanut immunotherapy using modified peanut and a dietary fibre (modified starch) supplement. We have evidence that modified peanut may work to desensitise patients with less side effects and that the diet supplement protects animals from developing food allergy.
Multi-centre, Multi-disciplinary Study Using A Systems Biology Approach To Investigate Immunomodulation In Children With Acute Wheeze
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,895,107.00
Summary
The concept that immunomodulation using naturally-occurring bacterial agents can treat asthma has reached international prominence. This is backed by strong epidemiologic and clinical trial data. However, detailed knowledge of the immunological mechanisms involved is essential to allow more focused therapeutic agents to be developed. The proposed multi-disciplinary immunomodulation study in 200 children aims to provide this essential information using an advanced systems biology approach.
Novel Methods To Diagnose Clinical Egg Allergy And Predict Prognostic Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Australia has the highest rate of food allergy in the world. Despite ongoing research into the area, there is currently no cure, with patient avoidance the most effective way to prevent food reactions. A food challenge is the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis. Although definitive, it is associated with a risk of anaphylaxis. My research aims to identify the biological differences between having food allergy and not having food allergy to develop novel diagnostic methods.