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Research

Impaired interferon response in plasmacytoid dendritic cells from children with persistent wheeze

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. 

Research

Novel intranasal phage-CaEDTA-ceftazidime/avibactam triple combination therapy demonstrates remarkable efficacy in treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection

Given the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, alternative treatments are needed. Anti-pseudomonal phage therapy shows promise, but its clinical application is limited due to the development of resistance and a lack of biofilm penetration. 

Research

Defining the pediatric response to SARS-CoV-2 variants

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.

Research

Bacteriophage: A new therapeutic player to combat neutrophilic inflammation in chronic airway diseases

Persistent respiratory bacterial infections are a clinical burden in several chronic inflammatory airway diseases and are often associated with neutrophil infiltration into the lungs. Following recruitment, dysregulated neutrophil effector functions such as increased granule release and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) result in damage to airway tissue, contributing to the progression of lung disease.

Research

Ancestral SARS-CoV-2, but not Omicron, replicates less efficiently in primary pediatric nasal epithelial cells

Children typically experience more mild symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) when compared to adults. There is a strong body of evidence that children are also less susceptible to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with the ancestral viral isolate.

Research

Productive infection of human embryonic stem cell-derived nkx2.1+ respiratory progenitors with human rhinovirus.

Our experiments provide proof of principle for the use of PSC-derived respiratory epithelial cells in the study of cell-virus interactions.

Research

A tonsil organ model to evaluate carriage, disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for the treatment and prevention of Group A Streptococcus infections

Anthony Tim Kicic Barnett BSc (Hons) PhD PhD Rothwell Family Fellow; Head, Airway Epithelial Research Head, Strep A Pathogenesis and Diagnostics

Research

Pre-Post Intervention to Strengthen and Sustain the Paediatric ESCALATION System (The SPECS): Study Protocol

Promptly recognising changes in an acutely unwell child’s condition is fundamental to prevent tragic outcomes. Western Australian (WA) healthcare facilities used inconsistent and varied paediatric early warning systems. To improve care consistency, a standardised ESCALATION system, inclusive of family involvement and sepsis recognition, was developed.

Research

Phage Therapy as an Alternative Treatment Modality for Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections

The production and use of antibiotics increased significantly after the Second World War due to their effectiveness against bacterial infections. However, bacterial resistance also emerged and has now become an important global issue.