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.
Web Based Study Of Risk Factors For Pain Exacerbation In Knee Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,501.00
Summary
While much is known about the risk factors for radiographic knee OA, the risk factors for symptoms emanating from joints affected by OA remain unclear. Identifying modifiable methods for alleviating pain and or avoiding risk factors for exacerbations of pain could have tremendous public health importance. In the proposed study we will use the Internet to facilitate data collection to test a set of risk factors for knee pain fluctuation among subjects with symptomatic radiographic knee OA.
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
Biomarkers To Define The Treatment End-point For Pulmonary Exacerbations In Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,031,371.00
Summary
Sensitive and reliable tests are required to monitor lung disease severity in cystic fibrosis. A number of potential methods have emerged in recent years. We will investigate how these tests track an acute episode of lung disease and determine whether, following a typical course of treatment, there is evidence of residual damage that contributes to overall progression of lung disease.
Multi-centre, Multi-disciplinary Study Using A Systems Biology Approach To Investigate Immunomodulation In Children With Acute Wheeze
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,895,107.00
Summary
The concept that immunomodulation using naturally-occurring bacterial agents can treat asthma has reached international prominence. This is backed by strong epidemiologic and clinical trial data. However, detailed knowledge of the immunological mechanisms involved is essential to allow more focused therapeutic agents to be developed. The proposed multi-disciplinary immunomodulation study in 200 children aims to provide this essential information using an advanced systems biology approach.
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.
Anti-viral Immune Dysfunction In Severe Asthma Varies Across Inflammatory Phenotypes.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$997,153.00
Summary
Common cold viruses often trigger asthma flare-ups , but have relatively minor effects on healthy people. Why this happens is not clear. We have identified two different ways in which the immune system can react badly to a common cold virus in people with asthma. In this study we will find out more about why the immune system does not react normally in a large group of people with severe asthma. This study will help us discover improved treatments that can be targeted to people with asthma.
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
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.