Understanding Pathogenicity And Immunity In An Encephalitic Mouse Model Of Hendra Virus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,342.00
Summary
Our understanding of Hendra virus infection and immunity is extremely limited and has been hampered by a lack of appropriate animal models of disease and reagents. This Project will employ a newly-established mouse model to study encephalitis, the most life-threatening manifestation of this infection. We will use unique, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a plethora of mouse-specific reagents to investigate the mechanisms involved in regulating the host response to infection.
Advancing Enhanced Biosecurity Of Major Arboviral And Other Vector-borne Diseases In Australia Through Near Infrared Spectroscopy Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$754,983.00
Summary
Infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks represent a significant health threat to the Australian biosecurity. Current detection methods for these pathogens are expensive, time consuming and require highly trained personnel. We propose to conduct a set of experiments to test an innovative, real time technique based on infrared light to identify infected mosquitoes and ticks and demonstrate its capacity as surveillance tool for vector control programs against these pathogens.
A Functional And Structural Approach To Understanding Leptospiral Host-pathogen Interactions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$504,097.00
Summary
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution caused by infection with pathogenic Leptospira. Infection occurs due to contact with water contaminated by urine of domestic animals. It occurs infrequently in Australia, but recent local surveillance data indicate hospitalisation rate of 56% with an average duration of 5.3 days. Through the combined approach of structural biology and functional microbiology we hope to understand how leptospira interacts with the human host.
The Genetics And Mechanisms Of Resistance To The Zoonotic Highly Pathogenic Influenza Virus In Avian Species
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,373.00
Summary
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses a serious pandemic risk. This project will investigate the genetic basis and mechanisms underlying resistance to HPAI in birds. It will explore the role of immune genes in resistance to HPAI in six bird species which vary in their susceptibility to HPAI. Functional tests of resistance genes will be performed to determine how these genes can provide resistance to HPAI. This study will assist in the development of strategies to mitigate disease risks.
Ecto-nucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolases Of Leishmania: Role In Virulence And Potential As Antimicrobial Targets
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,658.00
Summary
Leishmaniasis is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The disease is caused by a number of species of parasites, and current treatment regimes are not ideal. This research aims to target certain proteins produced by the parasite and define the role of the proteins in causing disease. Furthermore this research will identify new drugs that will block these parasite proteins and may contribute to new therapies for this serious disease.
The Role Of Paramyxovirus P Protein Subcellular Trafficking In Virus Pathogenicity And Antagonism Of Host Interferon Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$78,491.00
Summary
Emerging zoonotic viruses pose a major health threat worldwide, highlighted by recent outbreaks of viruses such as Nipah and Hendra via interspecies invasion to infect humans. A major barrier to interspecies infection is the innate immune response, which viruses must evolve to combat before successful infection can occur. We aim to examine in detail the mechanisms underlying immune evasion of such viruses, with the ultimate goal of discovering novel targets for therapeutics to viral infection.
Molecular Characterisation Of Host Cell Targets Of Human Pathogenic Viruses And Evaluating Their Potential As Novel Therapeutic Targets.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
There are currently no therapeutics to treat victims of Hendra, Nipah or Rabies virus infections, which account for > 50,000 deaths/yr worldwide. Through not fully understood mechanisms, these viruses affect the functions of specific cellular proteins in order to inhibit the host immune system, a process essential to their pathogenicity. We aim to characterise the mechanisms underlying viral inhibition of host immunity and evaluate their potential as novel targets to develop urgently needed t ....There are currently no therapeutics to treat victims of Hendra, Nipah or Rabies virus infections, which account for > 50,000 deaths/yr worldwide. Through not fully understood mechanisms, these viruses affect the functions of specific cellular proteins in order to inhibit the host immune system, a process essential to their pathogenicity. We aim to characterise the mechanisms underlying viral inhibition of host immunity and evaluate their potential as novel targets to develop urgently needed therapeutics against these deadly pathogens.Read moreRead less
Elimination Of Zoonotic Schistosomiasis And Echinococcosis Through Integrated Morbidity Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$898,008.00
Summary
I am a parasitologist researching the biology, immunology and epidemiology of human parasitic worms, particularly the schistosome bloodflukes and the hydatid tapeworms, which cause bilharzia and hydatidosis, diseases of the world’s poorest people that cause both major suffering and economic loss. My goal is to develop new methods, including vaccination, to control and eventually eliminate these parasites.
Immunological Prevention Of Hydatid Disease And Cysticercosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,340.00
Summary
This project seeks to develop practical vaccines to control the transmission of cysticercosis and hydatid disease. These diseases are caused by infection with the larval stages of tapeworm parasites which have a worldwide distribution and cause substantial human morbidity and mortality. The parasites are transmitted to humans from animals. Methods for control of transmission of infection currently rely on public education and anthelmintic treatment of animals. These measures are often ineffectiv ....This project seeks to develop practical vaccines to control the transmission of cysticercosis and hydatid disease. These diseases are caused by infection with the larval stages of tapeworm parasites which have a worldwide distribution and cause substantial human morbidity and mortality. The parasites are transmitted to humans from animals. Methods for control of transmission of infection currently rely on public education and anthelmintic treatment of animals. These measures are often ineffective and there is an urgent need for new tools to help control transmission of these important diseases. Previous research has shown that the animal hosts of these parasites can be protected from infection by vaccination. Prevention of infection in the parasites' animal hosts has the effect of breaking the parasite life cycle and indirectly removes the source of infection for humans. This project will further develop an existing vaccine against hydatid disease, will develop a new vaccine against cysticercosis and will participate in initial international parasite control campaigns based on application of these vaccines.Read moreRead less