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Regulation and Function of TLR9 (2007–2009)

Abstract:
Cells of the immune system need to recognise characteristic viral and bacterial molecules, in order to identify infection. Some immune cells can detect the presence of viral and bacterial DNA. The cells respond by making a number of anti-viral or anti-bacterial molecules, as well as activating other cells to fight the infection. The effect of bacterial DNA can be mimicked by certain short synthetic pieces of DNA. The potent activity of this synthetic DNA (termed CpG DNA ) is being exploited in a number of clinical trials for treatment of cancer and allergy, as well as to improve vaccinations. Despite the rapid advance towards clinical application, there is still much basic information to learn about how CpG DNA acts on cells. The molecule to which DNA binds in order to activate the cells is called TLR9. TLR9 is not on the surface of cells, but within cells. In a bacterial infection, cells called macrophages engulf and digest bacteria and release the bacterial DNA within the cell, where it binds to TLR9. In other cases, including when CpG DNA is used therapeutically, the DNA needs to be taken up into the cell. Evidence shows that there is a receptor on the cell surface which binds DNA, and takes it into the cell. In this project we propose to identify this DNA uptake receptor. Apart from the use of CpG DNA, there are a number of other proposals for the therapeutic use of DNA. Although it is known that DNA enters into cells, the route for this has not been established. Whilst CpG DNA can activate immune cells, some other distinct DNA molecules can prevent the activation. We will examine whether these inhibitory DNA molecules bind more effectively to TLR9 than the CpG DNA, but do not activate the cell. These inhibitory molecules are proposed as a therapy for the autoimmune disease lupus, which involves inappropriate responses to DNA, and is thought to involve TLR9. In order to develop therapies, a detailed knowledge of how they work is essential.
Grant type:
NHMRC Project Grant
Researchers:

  • Professor Kate Stacey

    Professor
    School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    Faculty of Science

  • Professor Matt Sweet

    NHMRC Leadership Fellow - GL
    Institute for Molecular Bioscience
    Affiliate NHMRC Leadership Fellow
    School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    Faculty of Science
Funded by:
National Health and Medical Research Council