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Research

Mechanisms of Acute Viral Respiratory Illness in Children (MAVRIC)

Large numbers of children need emergency medical treatment each year for respiratory illnesses, particularly for wheezing and asthma.

News & Events

Every Thursday: Discussion & Technical Seminar Series

Improving health outcomes for pregnant women with allergic asthma and their babies: Thursday 22nd May.

News & Events

Trying to beat asthma caused by exercise

Professor Graham Hall is leading a study looking at exercise-related asthma in young children, and we need volunteers to take part.

News & Events

Telethon Institute research provides new insights into the cause of asthma attacks

Telethon Institute for Child Health Research scientist Dr Anthony Bosco has been recognised for his cutting edge research investigating asthma attacks

News & Events

The Kids researchers awarded Raine Medical Research Foundation funding

Congratulations to Dr Gail Alvares and Dr Rachel Foong, who have been awarded funding from the Raine Medical Research Foundation.

News & Events

National Asthma Week: 10 things you need to know about asthma

Asthma affects about half a million Australian children and is one of the most common reasons why kids need to see a doctor or go to emergency.

Research

Airway-associated adipose tissue accumulation is increased in a kisspeptin receptor knockout mouse model

Airway-associated adipose tissue increases with body mass index and is a local source of pro-inflammatory adipokines that may contribute to airway pathology in asthma co-existing with obesity. Genetic susceptibility to airway adiposity was considered in the present study through kisspeptin/kisspeptin receptor signalling, known to modulate systemic adiposity and potentially drive airway remodelling. 

Research

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.

Research

The influence of sunlight exposure and sun protecting behaviours on allergic outcomes in early childhood

The dramatic rise in allergic disease has occurred in tandem with recent environmental changes and increasing indoor lifestyle culture. While multifactorial, one consistent allergy risk factor has been reduced sunlight exposure. However, vitamin D supplementation studies have been disappointing in preventing allergy, raising possible independent effects of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

Research

BCG-Induced Immune Training: Interplay between Trained Immunity and Emergency Granulopoiesis

Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the most commonly administered vaccine in human history. The medical application of BCG extends far beyond the fight against tuberculosis. Despite its stellar medical record over 100 years, insight into how BCG provides this vast range of benefits is largely limited, both for its pathogen-specific (tuberculosis) as well as pathogen-agnostic (other infections, autoimmunity, allergies, and cancer) effects.