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• Research program
• Research support (2008/09)

Research program

The Centre for Perinatal Infection Research (formerly the Herpesvirus Research Unit) was established in 1999 to address the significant clinical problem of infections in foetuses and newborn babies. These infections contribute to a large burden of disease and disability as well as the burden of miscarriages, stillbirths and premature births.

• Neonatal and fetal immune response to infections
• National surveillance of perinatal infections
• Antenatal and newborn screening

Neonatal and fetal immune response to infections

Through our research, we aim to determine why the immune system of a newborn infant does not protect them against certain viral infections, like herpes simplex virus (HSV). Such viruses can cause devastating disease if infection occurs in utero or in the first weeks of life.

To develop strategies to prevent infection and disease, we need to first understand the body's immune defences at the site of entry of the virus. To do this, we are performing studies of immune cell (dendritic cells, or DC) responses to HSV in mice. This project will lead to a better understanding of innate defences against viruses across all age groups, and should facilitate the development of new therapies.

Other immune cells, regulatory T cells (T regs), play a vital role in controlling autoimmunity and excessive immune responses to infection. We have recently shown that the neonatal mouse CD8+ T cell effector response to HSV is of slow onset, reduced intensity and short duration compared to that of adults. We have also shown that there is a relative dominance of T reg activity in neonatal mice after HSV infection. These and further studies into T reg modulation of antiviral responses are providing critical information for the development of therapeutics that provide life-long protective immunity without inducing autoimmunity.

National surveillance of perinatal infections

The incidence, presentation and management of many perinatal infections in Australia are largely unknown. We are running three collaborative studies of national surveillance through the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (HSV, Hepatitis C virus and rubella), and collaborating on a fourth study of atypical mycobacterium. These studies are providing unique information on the burden of disease and epidemiology of infections and will be vital in the implementation of any preventative strategies such as vaccines. We are collaborating with investigators overseas to compare the incidence of these infections in other countries (InOPSU).

Antenatal and newborn screening

There is currently no national routine antenatal screening programme for infectious diseases in Australia. In particular, there is much debate as to the most appropriate antenatal screening policy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). It may also be appropriate to screen for other infectious diseases such as toxoplasmosis or past chickenpox exposure. We are currently collaborating with the Macfarlane Burnet Institute to assess the current antenatal testing practice for infectious diseases, particularly HIV and HCV, used by general practitioners (GPs) and obstetricians throughout Victoria and NSW.

Research support (2008/09)

The effect of age on regulatory T cell control of innate and adaptive antiviral immune responses
Jones C A - CIA, Cunningham A C - CIB, Alexander S L - CIC,
DP08777013 ARC Discovery Grant ($318,000 over 3 years)

Defining the dynamics and function of dendritic cells after cutaneous HSV infection in vivo
Jones C A (CI-A), Weninger W
NHMRC Project grant 470572 ($405,900 over 3 years)

Mechanisms of disease in bacterial meningitis
Hunt N, Ball H, Jones C (CI-C)
NHMRC Project grant 571024 ($432,000 over 3 years)

Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit: A collaborative Network for child health research
Elliott E, Bower C, Kaldor J, Booy R, Sullivan E, Jones C - Associate Investigator
NH&MRC Enabling Grant 402784 ($1 million over 5 years)