Asthma causes a unique type of inflammation in the airways. Until recently, the cell responsible for this inflammation was thought to be the eosinophil. Eosinophils are evaluated in sputum samples from the airways and are commonly reported in increased levels from people with asthma. Recent work has identified that some people have symptoms of asthma but their eosinophil levels remain normal. Those with non-eosinophilic asthmatics may account for up to 50% of all asthma reported. Our study will ....Asthma causes a unique type of inflammation in the airways. Until recently, the cell responsible for this inflammation was thought to be the eosinophil. Eosinophils are evaluated in sputum samples from the airways and are commonly reported in increased levels from people with asthma. Recent work has identified that some people have symptoms of asthma but their eosinophil levels remain normal. Those with non-eosinophilic asthmatics may account for up to 50% of all asthma reported. Our study will investigate the cells present in the sputum of people that have non-eosinophilic asthma. It has been speculated that neutrophils (another cell causing inflammation in the lungs) may be responsible. Neutrophils are known to cause inflammation and release many chemical mediators, which are capable of destroying lung tissue. We will focus on the neutrophil and the chemicals that cause neutrophils to move into the lungs and then destroy tissue. By comparing the levels of neutrophils and its mediators between the eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic asthma populations it may be possible to understand the mechanism behind non-eosinophilic asthma. Current asthma treatments-preventers focus essentially on controlling the inflammation caused by eosinophils. By understanding what is causing the inflammation in people without eosinophils in their sputum, we can begin to investigate and design new treatments. One possible treatment is the use of macrolide antibiotics. These medicines have been shown to be useful in reducing inflammation in other chronic inflammatory diseases. We plan to investigate the usefulness of a macrolide antibiotic (erythromycin) in reducing inflammation in non-eosinophilic asthma by a randomised-controlled trial. Armed with more information about non-eosinophilic asthma we will be able to more effectively diagnose and treat this group in the community.Read moreRead less
Dynamics And Mechanisms Of Neutrophil Migration During Tissue Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$529,577.00
Summary
Neutrophil granulocytes are central mediators of inflammatory conditions and infections. It is currently unclear how neutrophils navigate through inflamed tissues and how they detect damaged cells and/or pathogens. This proposal will use cutting-edge multi-photon microscopy to dissect the dynamics and mechanisms of neutrophil behaviour in real time in living animals. These experiments will provide a new understanding of the development of inflammatory diseases.
Imaging Neutrophil And Endothelial Function In Acute Glomerulonephritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$545,517.00
Summary
The glomerulus is a group of small blood vessels which form the filtering component of the kidney. In many diseases, it can be the target of an inappropriate inflammatory response during which white blood cells accumulate in the glomerular blood vessels and cause damage. In this project, we will visualise the blood vessel lining of the glomerulus in order to understand how white blood cells damage this region and cause leakage of protein leak into the urine.
The Role Of Perivascular Macrophages In The Regulation Of CNS Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$602,609.00
Summary
Inflammation of the central nervous system can have deleterious consequences. How the inflammatory cascade operates within the CNS is poorly understood. We have recently discovered a novel subset of immune cells, the perivascular macrophage, which regulates the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Aim of this proposal is to dissect the role of these cells during brain infections and autoimmune inflammation.
THE ROLE OF THE TETRASPANINS CD37 AND CD82 IN LEUKOCYTE MIGRATION
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,902.00
Summary
White blood cells must be able to migrate to fight infection. For instance, immune responses are started by the migration of one type of white blood cells to the lymph node. Also, once activated white blood cells migrate out of the circulation to the site of infection where they can kill bacteria and viruses. This grant studies 2 proteins that control white blood cell migration. These proteins may one day be targets for drugs that either promote immunity or reduce inflammation.