The role of innate immunity genes in COPD

Funded Activity Summary

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a smoking-induced lung disease that is the fourth leading cause of death in Australia. The immune system is highly likely to play an important role in the progression of this condition, because of the frequency of respiratory infections that occur. We will examine in detail the immune response of COPD patients, examining specific genes and proteins that are important in the defence against bacteria. Blood samples will be obtained from people with COPD who are stable. We will then obtain further blood samples when there is a flare-up of the lung condition, and during recovery. We will compare the results from the blood samples, with variations in the genes that people carry. Information about individual differences in the body's response to infection would help us to better understand how COPD develops, and to initiate research on new methods of diagnosis and treatment of COPD.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2006

End Date: 01-01-2008

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $353,136.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Respiratory Diseases

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

COPD | COPD exacerbation | chronic bronchitis | gene expression | innate immunity | molecular genetics

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