During injury or infection, our body’s immune system protects us by launching inflammation. But uncontrolled inflammation drives common diseases such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. This project will reveal how the body produces interleukin-1? – a protein at the heart of inflammation and disease – so we can design better strategies for treating patients with inflammation-driven disease.
Inhibition Of Necroptosis As A Novel Strategy For The Prevention Of Bronchiolitis And Subsequent Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,015.00
Summary
Severe virus associated bronchiolitis is a major cause of infant mortality and a risk factor for asthma. Using a mouse model, we have shown that virus infection causes tissue damage, leading to the release of 'danger' molecules that promote excessive inflammation and tissue remodelling. We have identified an important mechanism by which the danger molecules are released. We will now assess whether blocking this process ameliorates viral bronchiolitis and breaks its nexus with subsequent asthma.
Excess inflammation is a major problem after injury and in many diseases. Upon injury molecules are release that act as danger signals to alert the immune system to start the repair process. However, high levels of these dangers signals can impair the final stages of healing. Understanding how to prevent the immune system being excessively stimulated by these danger signals is key to being able to dampen inflammation after injury improve the healing response.