The Role Of Pulmonary Macrophages In The Pathogenesis Of An Acute Exacerbation Of Chronic Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,710.00
Summary
We will examine the role of lung defence cells, known as macrophages, in triggering the inflammation of acute severe asthma. The experimental work will use unique mouse models of mild chronic asthma and of an acute exacerbation of the illness, which have been developed in our laboratories. We will study the mechanisms of activation of the asthmatic response and assess whether treatment with drugs that suppress the function of macrophages can help to control steroid-resistant exacerbations.
Regional Mechanisms Of Ventilator Induced Lung Injury: Insights From Dynamic Lung Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,323.00
Summary
Mortality rates due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are high (>30%). While ARDS requires mechanical ventilation as a lifesaving intervention, it is clear that mechanical ventilation itself can contribute to the high mortality rates. We will use a new lung imaging technology (CTXV) to visualize the damage that occurs to the lung as a result of mechanical ventilation in order to design better ventilation strategies and reduce mortality rates in these critically ill patients.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition caused by cigarette smoking. COPD consists of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which lead to worsening breathlessness, cough and sputum production and need for oxygen. COPD is the third highest cause of burden of disease to the community in Australia and the fourth leading cause of death. People with COPD suffer many chest infections, which need antibiotics and offer need admission to hospital. However there is much variab ....Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition caused by cigarette smoking. COPD consists of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which lead to worsening breathlessness, cough and sputum production and need for oxygen. COPD is the third highest cause of burden of disease to the community in Australia and the fourth leading cause of death. People with COPD suffer many chest infections, which need antibiotics and offer need admission to hospital. However there is much variability in the pattern of COPD related to infections. Natural chemicals produced by the body that fight infection are likely to be involved in this variability. Recently it has been discovered that there are variations in the genetic sequence of the genes that code for these chemicals. These genetic variations change the structure of the chemicals or the rate at which they are produced. Therefore it is highly likely that these genetic variations may influence the risk of developing COPD, and the risk of getting infections. In this study, we aim to systematically examine how these genetic variations alter the development of COPD and the risk of infections. At the start, we will collect a blood sample and phlegm (sputum) specimen from each person. The results of the genetic tests will then be compared to the risk of developing COPD, the chemicals produced and the risk of infection. We believe this study will improve our understanding of how COPD and its complications develop, leading to better treatment for this condition in the future.Read moreRead less
Advanced Characteristics Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung disease that worsens over time. Flare-ups worsen lung function faster and patients may need hospital treatment. Virus infections cause half of these flare-ups. Large studies have not found a predictor other than a previous flare-up, having reflux and high blood white cell count. This study will examine the changes in lung function during a flare-up and recovery, and the effects of infection and reflux on lung function during a one year follow up.
The Role Of MicroRNAs As New Anti-inflammatory Targets For The Treatment Of Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$625,655.00
Summary
Asthma is a significant health and economic burden to our society and its prevalence has increased over the last 25 years. New ways of treating asthma are urgently required as current therapeutics treat the symptoms and not the cause of the disease. Asthma is widely thought to be due to the abnormal accumulation of white blood cells (inflammation) in the lungs of diseased individuals. In this project we are exploring new advanced ways to inhibit inflammation and the development of disease.
Targeting The Shared Beta-chain Of The IL-3, IL-5 And GM-CSF Receptors As Therapy For Allergic Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$610,037.00
Summary
This research aims to develop new treatments for allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, which remain significant public health problems in Australia. We will develop therapies targeting a common receptor pathway with the potential to completely suppress acute and chronic disease whilst maintaining a single molecular target. We will perform preclinical testing of antibodies for treatment of allergic disorders using a novel mouse strain expressing the human form of this receptor
Role Of IL-3 In Allergic Inflammation: Modulation Of Basophils, Mast Cells, Eosinophils And Remodelling In Asthma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,380.00
Summary
Asthma is an important disease in the Australian community. We will investigate how the underlying inflammation in this disease is controlled and will focus our studies on a hormone-like regulator of the immune system called interleukin-3. Our hypothesis is that interleukin-3 regulates basophils, mast cells and remodelling of the airways which are central features of asthma. This study will give a better understanding of how the inflammation is caused and information for new drug targets.
Influence Of Early-life Viral Infection On Severity Of Murine Chronic Asthma And Acute Exacerbations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,528.00
Summary
This project examines the relationship between certain childhood infections with respiratory viruses and the progression of asthma later in life. The experimental work will use mouse models of mild chronic asthma and of an acute exacerbation of the illness -- these unique models have been developed in the laboratories of the chief investigators. It will employ the most appropriate mouse models of infection by the relevant group of viruses. We expect to obtain new information about mechanisms of ....This project examines the relationship between certain childhood infections with respiratory viruses and the progression of asthma later in life. The experimental work will use mouse models of mild chronic asthma and of an acute exacerbation of the illness -- these unique models have been developed in the laboratories of the chief investigators. It will employ the most appropriate mouse models of infection by the relevant group of viruses. We expect to obtain new information about mechanisms of airway inflammation and airway hyper-reactivity, which are characteristic features of chronic asthma and of acute exacerbations. This could help to identify candidate signalling molecules and pathways that could be targeted by new treatments. The findings might also provide a basis for development of ways to modify the immune response after respiratory viral infection in childhood.Read moreRead less
The Role Of MicroRNAs In The Regulation Of Antiviral And Inflammatory Responses During Experimental Rhinovirus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,096.00
Summary
Asthma exacerbations due to viral infections are a major health and economic burden to our society. Treatment of asthma exacerbations focuses on reducing the symptoms rather than the cause of the disease. Virus-induced asthma exacerbation are widely thought to be due to an abnormal influx of white blood cells into the lungs (inflammation) and an altered anti-viral responses. In this project we will explore novel strategies to inhibit inflammation and to promote the anti-viral response.