Role Of Toll-like Receptor 7 In Rhinovirus-induced Asthma Exacerbation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,248.00
Summary
One third of the annual asthma-related health care expenditure may be attributable to asthma-related hospitalisations. Even mild asthmatics experience severe exacerbations at a rate of almost one per year1 and those attacks can be fatal. Rhinovirus (RV) causes the majority of asthma exacerbations which may be linked to an impaired antiviral interferon (IFN) response in asthmatics. RV is sensed by Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7, but the role of this innate host defence pathway in regulating antiviral
Effect Of Anti-IgE Antibody On Immune System Responses And Short-term Outcome In Acute Asthma In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$571,752.00
Summary
We plan to undertake a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of anti-IgE antibody given at the time of an acute attack of asthma in children aged 6-12 years. The idea for this arose from our own novel data – IgE levels increase with the most common infection causing acute asthma. Given evidence the virus uses IgE to cause inflammation, giving anti-IgE during the attack should reduce the severity of the attack and produce a new, effective treatment for acute asthma.
Winter-only Treatment With Omalizumab To Prevent Asthma Exacerbations In Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$738,855.00
Summary
Acute exacerbations of asthma add considerably to the economic and social burden imposed by asthma. Current asthma treatment frequently controls underlying asthma but does not prevent acute exacerbations in exacerbation-prone asthmatics. This trial, based on our asthma research, provides new hope that acute asthma can be prevented.
Molecular Characterisation Of TRAIL-regulated Signal Transduction Pathways And Their Role In The Development, Persistence, And Exacerbation Of Allergic Airways Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$637,035.00
Summary
Molecules that promote the development, persistence, and exacerbation of asthma are only poorly defined. We have discovered a novel signalling pathway that is activated in the airway wall during asthma. Blocking a molecule that activates this pathway ameliorated asthma in mice. We now want to identify all the important components of this pathway and therapeutically modulate them to prevent the development, persistence, and exacerbation of asthma.
The Mechanisms Underlying Pneumoviral-induced Angiogenesis Of The Lung And Its Impact On The Asthmatic Response.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,625.00
Summary
Asthma, is a serious respiratory disease resulting in structural changes to the lung and breathing difficulties, and is often compounded by respiratory viruses. We have shown that viral infection of newborn mice causes the growth of new blood vessels in the lungs (a feature seen in human asthmatics). This project will investigate the mechanisms involved and determine the potential of this feature as a therapeutic target.