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Lung infections are the most frequent triggers of asthma exacerbations. While different infections cause exacerbations by they all result in the same type of lung inflammation. Using novel disease models, we have identified key molecules involved in a range of viral and bacterial induced asthma exacerbations. We will define these shared pathways that link viral and bacterial-mediated asthma exacerbations, thus these studies will pave the way for the development of unified treatments.
Targeting Neutrophil Extracellular Traps To Reduce Inflammation In Severe Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$585,240.00
Summary
People with severe asthma, a chronic disease of the lungs, often have many inflammatory cells in the airways called neutrophils. Neutrophils release a meshwork of fibers in a web like trap called NETs, which are made of the cells DNA and other proteins that fight infection. These NETs can promote inflammation in the persons airways. Current asthma treatments have no effect on NETs. This project will measure NETs in the airways and test a new treatment to reduce NETs, and relieve asthma symptoms.
The Importance Of Neutrophil Plasticity In Early Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Lung disease is a lifelong problem for people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Blood immune cells called neutrophils swarm the lung and cause ongoing damage. No treatments exist because how CF lungs talk to neutrophils is poorly understood. I will apply new skills from an international neutrophil expert to study samples from AREST CF, a world leading CF research group. This unique combination will recreate the early CF lung in the laboratory, testing triggers of CF lung disease and potential drugs.
This project examines how high fat diets affect inflammation and asthma outcomes. Research regarding the relationship between asthma and obesity is inconclusive. This project examines high fat intake as an initiator of both these conditions. We explore statins as a treatment for diet-induced inflammation. By increasing our understanding of how fat affects inflammation, we will be able to plan a dietary approach to improve asthma outcomes.
Targeting Translational Control By Modulating MiRNA Function As A Novel Way To Treat Respiratory Infections And Inflammatory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,623.00
Summary
Among the major health issues of today is our inability to effectively treat bacterial infections and the emergence of antibiotic resistant microbes. MicroRNA are small molecules that control the levels of proteins in immune cells that fight infections. In this project we will determine if inhibiting miRNA function in the lung enhances defence against microbial invasion and is a new therapeutic approach to treat infection driven diseases of the airways such asthma and emphysema.
Using Systems Biology To Understand Asthma Exacerbations And Develop Better Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$791,734.00
Summary
Our research using cutting-edge technology has demonstrated that not all asthma attacks are the same. There are two major subtypes of asthma attacks. Currently, we use the same medication to treat all asthma attacks, and this medication targets the symptoms rather than the cause. This research will conduct detailed laboratory studies to understand what causes the two different types of asthma attacks, and test new treatments that are targeted and tailored to each type of asthma attack.
HOUSE DUST MITES, BACTERIA AND ASTHMA: THE POTENTIAL MODULATORY ROLE OF GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIAL PAMPS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$518,210.00
Summary
Asthma continues to be a socio-economically important disease with an increasing prevalence. In this regard, allergy to the house dust mite appears to predispose children to the development of the disease although the reasons are unclear. Recently, we discovered and characterised a bacteriolytic enzyme which had previously only been described in pathogenic bacteria, particularly Mycobacteria. In an attempt to determine the origin of the lytic enzyme, we demonstrated that mites also contained a d ....Asthma continues to be a socio-economically important disease with an increasing prevalence. In this regard, allergy to the house dust mite appears to predispose children to the development of the disease although the reasons are unclear. Recently, we discovered and characterised a bacteriolytic enzyme which had previously only been described in pathogenic bacteria, particularly Mycobacteria. In an attempt to determine the origin of the lytic enzyme, we demonstrated that mites also contained a diverse array of Gram-positive bacteria in contrast to Gram-negative bacteria within their guts. Interestingly, the same spectrum of bacterial species were found in carpet and mattress dust from children with asthma. A variety of data suggest exposure to products from Gram-positive organisms may enhance allergic diseases including asthma. In contrast, exposure to products from Gram-negative bacteria is thought to be protective for asthma development. The reasons for the association between Gram-positive bacteria and asthma have not been explored in detail but one potential mechanism that will be explored in this application is the the role of the cell wall constituents which demarcate Gram-positive organisms from Gram-negative organisms as well as sectreted products. The underlying mechanisms involved are likely to reflect a differential ability of the two types of organisms to stimulate the release of divergent immunomodulatory cytokines from cells known to play a role in asthma such as epithelial cells, fibroblasts, T cells and dendritic cells. Data from such studies are likely to greatly increase our understanding of the development of asthma and, therefore, contibute to the development of new treatment modalities with consequent benefit to the community.Read moreRead less