Defining the roles and targeting interferon-epsilon as a new therapy for influenza in asthma and COPD [ 2018 - 2021 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Philip Hansbro (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Aeron Hurt ,  Dr Jay Horvat ,  Prof Peter Wark

Brief description Influenza is a major cause of illness and death, especially in people with asthma and emphysema. There are issues with vaccines and current treatments are poorly effective. Effective treatments are urgently required. We have found a new immune factor, interferon-epsilon that is induced and used by influenza viruses to cause infection. We aim to understand how this occurs and to test new treatments for influenza that suppress interferon-epsilon, in healthy and susceptible individuals.

Funding Amount $AUD 918,586.64

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant