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Airway smooth muscle thickness and contraction are enhanced by intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide in an ovine model of premature birth

Abnormalities of the airway smooth muscle (ASM) layer in asthma may develop before birth. We hypothesize that antenatal inflammation causes physiological abnormalities of the ASM that predisposes asthma. This study determined the short-term effects of antenatal inflammation on the developing ASM.

Longitudinal effects of prenatal exposure to plastic-derived chemicals and their metabolites on asthma and lung function from childhood into adulthood

Environmental exposure to phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), chemicals used in the production of plastics, may increase risk for asthma and allergies. However, little is known about the long-term effects of early life exposure to these compounds.

Airway and parenchymal transcriptomics in a novel model of asthma and COPD overlap

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common chronic respiratory diseases, and some patients have overlapping disease features, termed asthma-COPD overlap. Patients characterized with ACO have increased disease severity; however, the mechanisms driving this have not been widely studied.

Prenatal influenza vaccination and allergic and autoimmune diseases in childhood: A longitudinal, population-based linked cohort study

Few studies have evaluated the effect of maternal influenza vaccination on the development of allergic and autoimmune diseases in children beyond 6 months of age. We aimed to investigate the association between in utero exposure to seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) and subsequent diagnosis of allergic and autoimmune diseases.

Characterisation of lung function trajectories and associated early-life predictors in an Australian birth cohort study

There is growing evidence that lung function in early-life predicts later lung function. Adverse events over the lifespan might influence an individual’s lung function trajectory, resulting in poor respiratory health. The aim of this study is to identify early-life risk factors and their impact on lung function trajectories to prevent long-term lung impairments.

Finding the cellular explanation for recurrent asthma exacerbations

This study is designed to identify the specific unique immune cell response that occurs in these children with recurrent disease.

Targeting the mucosal immune system in a pregnant mouse model to prevent experimental allergic airways disease in the offspring

Studies in Europe show exposure of pregnant women to high levels of microbial products stimulate immune function maturation in their offspring

The cellular effects of estrogen on allergic asthma

The study aims to identify the mechanism for this so that this knowledge can be used to better treat asthma and allergies in both males and females.

Mechanisms of IgE sensitization

This project investigates how cells of the immune system respond to substances to cause allergies to help develop new treatments.

Associate Professor Anthony Kicic

Rothwell Family Fellow; Head, Airway Epithelial Research