Polyunsaturated fatty acids mimetics with anti-inflammatory properties [ 2004 - 2006 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Antonio Ferrante (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Charles Hii ,  Dr Phulwinder Grover

Brief description Autoimmune diseases are responsible for a high incidence of morbidity and mortality in our community. Immunosuppressive drugs-anti-inflammatory agents have played important roles in treatment of these diseases as well as in helping to prevent rejection of transplanted tissues-organs. There is an ongoing search by the medical community for better immunosuppressive drugs and agents for use for these purposes. Based on studies conducted in the last few years, we have partially identified structural elements on polyunsatrated fatty acids (PUFA) which are responsible for specific biological functions. Using this information, we have synthesized a large panel of previously unavailable PUFA which we can use to target T lymphocytes and drive the biological activity of these compounds, preferentially towards immunosuppression. By conducting the research outlined in this project, we are likely to either identify a lead immunosuppressive compound or generate new information for further synthesis of PUFA-based compounds for further examination as potential immunosuppressive agents.

Funding Amount $AUD 481,500.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant