Defining the mechanisms that regulate effective long-term anti-viral immunity

Funded Activity Summary

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common human pathogen which normally causes a mild or even asymptomatic infection. However, in immunocompromised individuals, HCMV causes severe disease whose manifestations include chorioretinitis, interstitial pneumonia and hepatitis. Similarly, in neonates lacking a fully mature immune system, HCMV causes severe morbidity. Vaccines that protect against HCMV induced cytomegalic inclusion disease have been designated Level I (most favourable) due to the prediction that they could save lives and prevent life-long disability. Similarly, therapies that prevent and-or reduce HCMV reactivation will significantly improve the prognosis of transplant and AIDS patients. The murine CMV (MCMV) infection model has provided important insights as to how the immune system controls infection, and the mechanisms utilized by the virus to circumvent these processes. The design of effective therapies and vaccines requires a thorough understanding of the mechanisms required to generate and maintain long-lasting anti-viral responses. The studies outlined in this proposal aim to define the impact of specific components of the immune system n the generation, maintenance and effectiveness of anti-viral immunity. The well characterized MCMV model will be used to address these issues.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2007

End Date: 01-01-2009

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $547,315.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Clinical sciences not elsewhere classified

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

Cell mediated immunity | Cytokines | Immunity to infection | Immunoregulation | Immunotherapy | Persistent infection | Viral immunity | Viral immunology | Viral infection

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