NHMRC grant for WEHI team's antibody quest

Wednesday, July 14th 2004

A WEHI team comprising Dr Phil Hodgkin, Dr David Tarlinton, Dr Stephen Nutt and Dr Lynn Corcoran has been awarded $5,198,635 over 5 years to undertake a unique "systems-wide" analysis of antibody-producing cells.

Antibodies, made by B cells, are essential for a functioning immune system. Investigations over thirty years at WEHI and elsewhere have identified a remarkable group of molecules and cells that participate in the regulation of B cells and, consequently, of antibodies. The results of earlier programs raise a fresh challenge: to use molecular information and genetic engineering tools to predict and manipulate cell and system behaviour to improve vaccination and drug therapies.

The WEHI team brings together experts in molecular, cellular and whole-animal analysis of B cells with experts in computer modelling to investigate this important biological and health problem.

Dr Hodgkin comments, "Advances in molecular engineering, computation tools and in vivo imaging and analysis have opened up new frontiers for medical scientists. We believe there are tremendous benefits to be gained from combining the varied skills of our team to focus on a single cell type that is fundamental to so many immunological and health problems. We believe that our strategy will eventually allow us to manipulate antibody-producing cells in humans to improve the treatment of allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and some leukaemias. The research may also improve the outcome of vaccination, where an enhanced antibody response is required."

The NHMRC grant to WEHI was announced by the Commonwealth Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Tony Abbott, and forms part of the $420 million that the Commonwealth will devote to health and medical research in 2004-05.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Brad Allan

Community Relations Manager
Phone: (03) 9345 2345
Email: allan@wehi.edu.au