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IRF7-Associated Immunophenotypes Have Dichotomous Responses to Virus/Allergen Coexposure and OM-85-Induced Reprogramming

High risk for virus-induced asthma exacerbations in children is associated with an IRF7lo immunophenotype, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we applied a Systems Biology approach to an animal model comprising rat strains manifesting high versus low susceptibility to experimental asthma, induced by virus/allergen coexposure, to elucidate the mechanism(s)-of-action of the high-risk asthma immunophenotype.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction Promotes Postnatal Airway Hyperresponsiveness Independent of Allergic Disease

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with asthma. Murine models of IUGR have altered airway responsiveness in the absence of any inflammatory exposure. Given that a primary feature of asthma is airway inflammation, IUGR-affected individuals may develop more substantial respiratory impairment if subsequently exposed to an allergen. This study used a maternal hypoxia-induced mouse model of IUGR to determine the combined effects of IUGR and allergy on airway responsiveness.

Mouse Lung Structure and Function after Long-Term Exposure to an Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Level Predicted by Climate Change Modeling

Climate change models predict that atmospheric carbon dioxide [CO2] levels will be between 700 and 900 ppm within the next 80yrs. In this study we aimed to assess the respiratory structure and function effects of long-term exposure to 890ppm CO2 from preconception to adulthood using a mouse model.

Pharmacological ablation of the airway smooth muscle layer—Mathematical predictions of functional improvement in asthma

Findings provide further proof of concept that pharmacological targeting of airway smooth muscle thickness will be beneficial and may be facilitated by azithromycin

The Evolving Landscape of e-Cigarettes: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence

This review focuses on smokers and nonsmokers and evaluates the most recent data regarding the potential health effects of e-cigarettes

Editorial overview: Endocrine and metabolic adaptations to extreme environments: Living life to the extreme – insights into the limits of life and transitions to disease

The need to understand responses to extreme environments has prompted this edition of Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research

Maternal high fat diet compromises survival and modulates lung development of offspring, and impairs lung function of dams

While maternal high fat diet compromised litter survival, it also promoted somatic and lung growth (increased lung volume) in the offspring

Transplacental immune modulation with a bacterial-derived agent protects against allergic airway inflammation

These data provide proof of concept supporting the rationale for developing transplacental immune reprogramming approaches for primary disease prevention

Independent and combined effects of airway remodelling and allergy on airway responsiveness

There was a positive relationship between the thickness of the airway smooth muscle layer with airway responsiveness, which was shifted upward in the presence of allergy

Foetal growth restriction in mice modifies postnatal airway responsiveness in an age and sex-dependent manner

Our data demonstrate changes in airway responsiveness as a result of intrauterine growth restriction that could influence susceptibility to asthma development