Evaluation of specificity, mechanism of action and therapeutic use of peptides that disrupt T-cell antigen receptor [ 2000 - 2002 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Nicholas Manolios (Principal investigator)

Brief description Molecular disorganisation of receptor assembly renders the receptor incompetent and the cell unable to perform its normal function. In autoimmune diseases where the target is self the ability to stop autoreactive T cells is a therapy. Synthetic compounds known as peptides have been developed in our laboratory with the ability to disrupt cell function and we are at the forefront of such research. We hypothesise that if you prevent the receptor from assembling properly then it will not function. The end result is the potential to develop novel drugs with new means to treat inflammation in a number of autoimmune disorders including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. Application of this concept is not restricted to immunology or the disruption of the T-cell antigen receptor but has wider therapeutic application to other multicomponent receptors relevant in the field of oncology, endocrinology, and allergy. By design one can produce peptides that will specifically inhibit specific cellular functions based on structure-function relationships. Further research into this area will then allow design of new non-peptide chemical entities based on the original peptide sequence and structure with easier pharmacological handling properties and efficacy. This project aims to define necessary features of the peptide and test it in humans.

Funding Amount $AUD 166,885.68

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant