COVID-19 is complicated by acute lung injury, and death in some individuals. It is caused by SARS-CoV-2 that requires the ACE2 receptor and serine proteases to enter AEC. We determined what factors are associated with ACE2 expression particularly in patients with asthma and COPD. We obtained lower AEC from 145 people from two independent cohorts, aged 2-89 years, Newcastle (n = 115) and Perth (n = 30), Australia. The Newcastle cohort was enriched with people with asthma (n = 37) and COPD (n = 38). Gene expression for ACE2 and other genes potentially associated with SARS-CoV-2 cell entry was assessed by qPCR, and protein expression was confirmed with immunohistochemistry on endobronchial biopsies and cultured AEC. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• January 2021

The global population has been severely affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, however, with older age identified as a risk factor, children have been underprioritized. This article discusses the factors contributing to the less severe response observed in children following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), including, differing viral entry receptor expression and immune responses. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• May 2023

Impaired interferon response and allergic sensitization may contribute to virus-induced wheeze and asthma development in young children. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells play a key role in antiviral immunity as critical producers of type I interferons.  ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• December 2023

Pulmonary bacterial infections present a significant health risk to those with chronic respiratory diseases including cystic fibrosis and chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease. With the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, novel therapeutics are desperately needed to combat the emergence of resistant superbugs. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• August 2023

Biodiesel is created through the transesterification of fats/oils and its usage is increasing worldwide as global warming concerns increase. Biodiesel fuel properties change depending on the feedstock used to create it. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• April 2022

Long-term survival after lung transplantation is hindered by the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2011
• June 2011

Human rhinovirus infection delays repair and inhibits apoptotic processes in epithelial cells from non-asthmatic and asthmatic children ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2016
• November 2016

In disease settings, vitamin D may be important for maintaining optimal lung epithelial integrity and suppressing inflammation, but less is known of its effects prior to disease onset. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2017
• August 2017

Here we review the current knowledge of key molecular pathways that are dysregulated during persistent goblet cell differentiation ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2018
• May 2018

PLA2R1 is increased in the airway epithelium in asthma, and serves as a regulator of airway hyperresponsiveness, airway permeability, antigen sensitization, and airway inflammation ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2016
• December 2016