Postviral Wheezing In Childhood: Disregulation Of Airway Tone?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$577,040.00
Summary
Asthma is a very common childhood condition that is becoming increasingly more common. Wheezing is common in infants and young children following viral infections and is often thought of as the first manifestation of asthma. However, many children and infants who wheeze with viral infections appear to grow out of asthma in their teenage years. Asthma that persists into adult life is usually associated with allergies to common environmental allergens, such as house dust mite and grass pollens. Ho ....Asthma is a very common childhood condition that is becoming increasingly more common. Wheezing is common in infants and young children following viral infections and is often thought of as the first manifestation of asthma. However, many children and infants who wheeze with viral infections appear to grow out of asthma in their teenage years. Asthma that persists into adult life is usually associated with allergies to common environmental allergens, such as house dust mite and grass pollens. However, many infants who wheeze with viral infections, especially in the first year of life, do not develop allergies in later life, raising the possibility that they did not have the same type of asthma as those whose symptoms persist. This project will study the effects of viral infections on lung function to determine whether particular types of virus can have detrimental effects of lung function lasting for years. We will also examine whether the age at which the infection occurs and the severity of the infection influence the long-term outcome. The project involves studying infants during the recovery phase of respiratory viral infections, older children years after documented infections and experimental animal models that have been infected under controlled conditions. By determining whether respiratory viral infections can have long-term effects on lung function that can mimic asthma, we will advance our understanding of how asthma develops. In addition, specific treatment and preventative strategies could then be developed to prevent these long-term abnormalities, instead of relying on asthma medication (especially inhaled corticosteroids) as is the current practice. Preventative strategies could include encouraging the development of specific vaccines.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms Underlying Acute Changes In Lung Function And Airway Responsiveness Following Respiratory Viral Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$444,878.00
Summary
This study will investigate the mechanisms responsible for the increased airway responsiveness seen during respiratory viral infections to the common viruses of influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Respiratory viral infections alter lung function and increase airway responsiveness in man. In addition, respiratory viral infections early in life are a risk factor for the subsequent development of asthma. The mechanisms responsible for this are unknown. Both the infecting virus an ....This study will investigate the mechanisms responsible for the increased airway responsiveness seen during respiratory viral infections to the common viruses of influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Respiratory viral infections alter lung function and increase airway responsiveness in man. In addition, respiratory viral infections early in life are a risk factor for the subsequent development of asthma. The mechanisms responsible for this are unknown. Both the infecting virus and host factors, such as age of infection, gender and genetic predisposition, are likely to be important. OUTCOMES and SIGNIFICANCE: These studies will provide a comprehensive assessment of the effects of acute viral respiratory infections on lung function and airway responsiveness using cutting edge techniques developed in our labs. The results will provide new insights into how these infections cause lung disease and may provide clues for new approaches to prevent the adverse effects of these common respiratory viral infections.Read moreRead less
Functional Significance Of Subcellular Localisation Of Viral 3C Protease In Rhinovirus Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,513.00
Summary
Rhinovirus (RV) infections are the major cause of virus induced asthma attacks and common colds, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The incidence of asthma is increasing worldwide with new strategies urgently needed to reduce RV-associated disease. We have observed RV 3C protease in the nuclear compartment of infected host cells and propose to determine its significance in RV pathogenesis with relevance to asthma therapies.
Antiviral Defects Of The Airway Epithelium Associated With Wheeze And Atopy In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$658,571.00
Summary
Asthma affects 10-15% of Australian. Repeated respiratory viral infections increase the risk of developing asthma, and are also the principal cause of asthma attacks. Asthmatics may be more susceptible to respiratory viral infections due to a defect in the innate antiviral response to infection. Here we aim to identify defects in the antiviral response of children who are at risk of developing asthma, and understand how they occur so that future therapies may be developed.
Development Of New Therapies For Respiratory Diseases And Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$847,490.00
Summary
Prof Hansbro’s group have developed world 1st experimental models of emphysema, severe asthma infection and lung cancer. He uses them to further our understanding of these untreatable diseases. This has led to the development of new potential therapeutic approaches. Now, in discovery programs he will expand studies of pathogenesis to identify new therapeutic targets these diseases. In development and translational programs he will progress new therapies towards clinical application.
Functional Characterisation Of Novel Metabolites In Asthma And Identification Of New Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$829,922.00
Summary
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that represents a major health burden. Severe asthma represents 10% of those suffering the disease and poses an urgent problem due to exacerbations and resistance to current therapies. We have conducted the first study of the metabolites that are altered in the airways of patients with severe asthma and identified functional metabolites and disease biomarkers. We now aim to assess the function of these molecules in asthma disease models.
We will conduct a survey of respiratory symptoms, lung function, smoking status, occupational exposures, and other risk factors among 3200 people aged 40 years and over living in five Australian communities: Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania, Busselton (WA), and the Kimberley region (WA). In the Kimberley we will survey 400 Aboriginal people and 400 non-Aboriginal people. We will use a survey methodology that has been developed by an international expert panel and has been implemented in many other co ....We will conduct a survey of respiratory symptoms, lung function, smoking status, occupational exposures, and other risk factors among 3200 people aged 40 years and over living in five Australian communities: Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania, Busselton (WA), and the Kimberley region (WA). In the Kimberley we will survey 400 Aboriginal people and 400 non-Aboriginal people. We will use a survey methodology that has been developed by an international expert panel and has been implemented in many other countries (in North and South America, Asia, and Europe). This study will provide the first nationally-representative information on the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the opportunities for health gain by improving the management of this illness. In Australia, COPD is a relatively silent and under-recognised disease but nevertheless is the third most important contributor to the burden of disease and the third leading cause of hospital admission as well as being the underlying cause of 4.2% of all deaths. The information we will collect is needed to form a basis for prevention and disease management interventions to reduce the burden of COPD, particularly among population sub-groups who are disproportionately affected, either due to greater exposure to risk factors (mainly tobacco smoking and occupation), greater susceptibility, under-recognition and under-diagnosis, or inadequate disease management. Importantly, the study will serve to raise awareness about the hazards of smoking for all Australians. By identifying target groups, prevalent exposures and management deficiencies, it will lead the way towards policy-relevant randomised controlled trials testing community-based interventions to prevent COPD and-or manage it more effectively. The information collected will help advance knowledge of the prevalence, burden and treatment of COPD that will be relevant to communities throughout the world.Read moreRead less