Projects
Characterization and role of innate lymphoid cell subtypes in non-allergic asthma KU Leuven
Deciphering mechanisms of respiratory virus-induced asthma predispositions and exacerbations. Ghent University
In Western countries, the prevalence of asthma has increased during the last decades. Although asthma is often non-lethal, the quality of life of patients is seriously affected and there is still no definitive cure available. It is clear that the environment has a dramatic impact on the incidence and the severity of allergy and asthma, and a strong link between respiratory tract infections and asthma has been demonstrated, with some viruses ...
The role of the ORMDL3 susceptibility gene in the pathogenesis of asthma Ghent University
Asthma is a very common disease with up to 8% of children and 3% of adults in Belgium affected. Several studies have been performed to find out if the genetic makeup of an individual confers risk to develop the disease. A particular genetic locus on chromosome 17 (17q21) has been found in almost all genome wide association studies of asthma. This locus contains two genes (ORMDL3 and Gasdermin B) of which the expression is increased in ...
Role of protein crystals in asthma? Ghent University
Since 1853 it is known that Charcot Leyden crystals are found in asthmatic airways, and here we propose they promote allergy. We combine immunology with structural biology to investigate the structure, function and evolutionary origins of these and related protein crystals. Through novel tool creation and multidisciplinary research, we envisage the unmasking of a novel drugable pathway in asthma.
Protein crystals in asthma : markers or makers of eosinophilic inflammation Ghent University
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects up to 300 million people. Allergic asthma is controlled by a type 2 immune response rich in Th2 cells, innate lymphocytes type 2, basophils, alternatively activated macrophages and mostly eosinophils. Since 1850 it is known that the airways of asthmatics contain Charcot-Leyden crystals. Charcot-Leyden crystals are unconventional crystals as they are made up of the eosinophil-derived ...
Role of protein crystals in asthma Ghent University
Since 1853 it is known that Charcot Leyden crystals are found in asthmatic airways, and here we propose they promote allergy. We combine immunology with structural biology to investigate the structure, function and evolutionary origins of these and related protein crystals. Through novel tool creation and multidisciplinary research, we envisage the unmasking of a novel drugable pathway in asthma.
Suppression of asthma through education of airway epithelial cells by environmental microbial exposure Ghent University
The prevalence of allergic asthma rised significantly in the last 50 years. Epidemiological studies have shown that this trend might be caused by lifestyle changes in the Western world and by a reduction in the incidence of infectious diseases. Conversely, growing up on a farm or in a house with high endotoxin in the home environment has been shown to offer protection from allergy.
How these factors can influence the development of ...
The CLARISAST study: the CLARIthromycin in Severe ASThma study Ghent University
The proposed scientific research consists of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study evaluating the efficacy and safety of clarithromycin as add-on therapy in adult subjects with severe persistent asthma. Adult asthmatic patients, who remain inasequately controlled despite GINA step 4 therapy, will be thoroughly examined for comorbidities associated with asthma. Moreover, at screening, the fractional ...
Role of protein crystals in asthma? Ghent University
Since 1853 it is known that Charcot Leyden crystals are found in asthmatic airways, and here we propose they promote allergy. We combine immunology with structural biology to investigate the structure, function and evolutionary origins of these and related protein crystals. Through novel tool creation and multidisciplinary research, we envisage the unmasking of a novel drugable pathway in asthma.