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ACE2 expression is elevated in airway epithelial cells from older and male healthy individuals but reduced in asthmaCOVID-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.
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Vulnerable from the first breath - epithelial dysfunction and respiratory outcomes in childrenWe have been studying the importance of the epithelial cells lining the airways in the nose and lungs.
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Identification of epithelial phospholipase A2 receptor 1 as a potential target in asthmaPLA2R1 is increased in the airway epithelium in asthma, and serves as a regulator of airway hyperresponsiveness, airway permeability, antigen sensitization, and airway inflammation
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Effect of human rhinovirus infection on airway epithelium tight junction protein disassembly and transepithelial permeabilityHRV-1B infection directly alters human airway epithelial TJ expression leading to increased epithelial permeability potentially via antiviral response of IL-15
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Impaired airway epithelial cell responses from children with asthma to rhinoviral infectionHuman rhinovirus infection delays repair and inhibits apoptotic processes in epithelial cells from non-asthmatic and asthmatic children
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Accumulation mode particles and LPS exposure induce TLR-4 dependent and independent inflammatory responses in the lungWe aimed to delineate the effects of LPS and AMP on airway inflammation, and potential contribution to airway disease by measuring airway inflammatory responses
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Conditionally reprogrammed primary airway epithelial cells maintain morphology, lineage and disease specific functional characteristicsHere, we show that conditionally reprogrammed airway epithelial cells (CRAECs) can be established from both healthy and diseased phenotypes.
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A tonsil organ model to evaluate carriage, disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for the treatment and prevention of Group A Streptococcus infectionsAnthony Tim Kicic Barnett BSc (Hons) PhD PhD Rothwell Family Fellow; Head, Airway Epithelial Research Head, Strep A Pathogenesis and Diagnostics
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Regional Differences in Susceptibiity of Bronchial Epithelium to Mesenchymal Transition and Inhibition by the Macrolide Antibiotic AzithromycinDysregulated repair following epithelial injury is a key forerunner of disease in many organs, and the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype by the injured...
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DNA Methylation Profiles of Airway Epithelial Cells and PBMCs from Healthy, Atopic and Asthmatic ChildrenAllergic inflammation is commonly observed in a number of conditions that are associated with atopy including asthma, eczema and rhinitis.