Interferon epsilon, a key cytokine in the pathophysiology of the female reproductive tract mucosa

NHMRC Project grant to be submitted in 2017 for commencement in 2018.

Plain English Summary:

The female reproductive tract is a complex environment, which permits pregnancy but protects against infections, all under the influence of hormones and the resident microbial flora. We have discovered a novel protein called interferon epsilon that acts on cells in the female reproductive tract to regulate protection against infections. We propose to discover how this new protein works with a view to using it therapeutically in infections and inflammatory diseases affecting women's health.