Viral Infection And TGFbeta Impair Glucocorticoid Activity In Epithelial Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,699.00
Summary
Chronic inflammatory lung diseases like asthma and smokers lung are treated with combinations of anti-inflammatory drugs. Powerful anti-inflammatory types of steroid drugs are used in more severe disease. Even these powerful drugs are sometimes not effective enough. Our work is developing an understanding of how inflammation limits the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids and we are devising ways to overcome this with new drugs. We aim to improve treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, espe ....Chronic inflammatory lung diseases like asthma and smokers lung are treated with combinations of anti-inflammatory drugs. Powerful anti-inflammatory types of steroid drugs are used in more severe disease. Even these powerful drugs are sometimes not effective enough. Our work is developing an understanding of how inflammation limits the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids and we are devising ways to overcome this with new drugs. We aim to improve treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, especially those affecting the lung.Read moreRead less
Airway Smooth Muscle And Fixed Airway Obstruction: Strategies For Softening Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,643.00
Summary
In severe asthma the airways don't relax fully making breathing more difficult. The inability to relax is being addressed by exploring the behaviour of isolated muscle cells. These cells are able to compact collagen gels. The mechanisms used to compact the gel are different to those that cause rapid muscular contraction. We aim to identify the molecules responsible for the gel compaction as a first step to identifying new drugs to treat the fixed airway obstruction in severe asthma.
Targeting Small Airways To Overcome Resistance To Therapy In Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,045.00
Summary
There is a pressing need to overcome resistance to current therapies for severe asthma. Targetting inflammation-induced changes in small airway contraction offers an alternative strategy. We have identified a novel bronchodilator that relaxes maximally contracted mouse small airways when current treatment is ineffective. We will demonstrate its efficacy in animal models mimicking key features of human asthma, and define new ways to improve outcomes in poorly-controlled asthma.