Skip to content
The Kids Research Institute Australia logo
Donate

Search

Research

Genome-wide association and large-scale follow up identifies 16 new loci influencing lung function

Pulmonary function measures reflect respiratory health and are used in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Research

Epithelial-dendritic cell interactions in allergic disorders

Airway epithelial cells act through multiple mechanisms to function as an important component of the pulmonary defence strategy that is crucial...

Research

The hygiene hypothesis revisited: role of materno-fetal interactions

For 20 years, the hygiene hypothesis has dominated attempts to explain the increasing prevalence of allergic disease. A causal link between maternal innate immu

Research

Structural and IgE binding analyses of recombinant Der p 2 expressed from the hosts Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris

The house dust mite allergen Der p 2 is one of the most important indoor allergens associated with allergic disease.

Research

Lung homing T-cell generation is dependent on strength and timing of antigen delivery to lymph nodes

Inhaled allergens are known for their immediate and ongoing effects in the respiratory tract (RT).

Research

Interactions between innate and adaptive immunity in asthma pathogenesis: new perspectives from studies on acute exacerbations

Atopic asthma, which is at its highest prevalence during childhood/young adulthood, represents the main focus of this review.

Research

Th2-polarisation of cellular immune memory to neonatal pertussis vaccination

Current infant vaccination against pertussis in North America and Australia requires three doses of vaccines including diphtheria, tetanus and acellular...

Research

Enhanced Neutralizing Antibody Responses to Rhinovirus C and Age-Dependent Patterns of Infection

Rhinovirus (RV) C can cause asymptomatic infection and respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe wheezing. The aim was to identify how age and other individual-level factors are associated with susceptibility to RV-C illnesses. Longitudinal data from the COAST (Childhood Origins of Asthma) birth cohort study were analyzed to determine relationships between age and RV-C infections. Neutralizing antibodies specific for RV-A and RV-C (three types each) were determined using a novel PCR-based assay.

Research

The intersect of genetics, environment, and microbiota in asthma-perspectives and challenges

In asthma, a significant portion of the interaction between genetics and environment occurs through microbiota. The proposed mechanisms behind this interaction are complex and at times contradictory. This review covers recent developments in our understanding of this interaction: the "microbial hypothesis" and the "farm effect"; the role of endotoxin and genetic variation in pattern recognition systems; the interaction with allergen exposure; the additional involvement of host gut and airway microbiota; the role of viral respiratory infections in interaction with the 17q21 and CDHR3 genetic loci; and the importance of in utero and early-life timing of exposures.

Research

Time spent outdoors through childhood and adolescence - assessed by 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration - and risk of myopia at 20 years

To investigate the relationship between time spent outdoors, at particular ages in childhood and adolescence, and myopia status in young adulthood using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration as a biomarker of time spent outdoors. Participants of the Raine Study Generation 2 cohort had 25(OH)D concentrations measured at the 6-, 14-, 17- and 20-year follow-ups. Participants underwent cycloplegic autorefraction at age 20 years, and myopia was defined as a mean spherical equivalent -0.50 dioptres or more myopic. Logistic regression was used to analyse the association between risk of myopia at age 20 years and age-specific 25(OH)D concentrations. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyse trajectory of 25(OH)D concentrations from 6 to 20 years.