Dr. Thomas B. Casale, Chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology, leads a team of investigators working on allergic and non-allergic airway diseases. Drs. Casale and Robert G. Townley, Professor of Medicine, are using a mouse model of allergic asthma to help define key pathogenic mechanisms. This model system is also used to explore new therapeutic strategies for allergic airway diseases. Dr. Townley is also engaged in research exploring the specific role of IL-13 and CCR5 in allergic airway diseases.
Dr. Casale also has an active research program on the effects of cigarette smoke on airway diseases. Employing ex vivo, in vitro and animal models, we are examining key mechanisms involved in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness due to cigarette smoke exposure, especially those related to airway smooth muscle. The team is also examining newer therapies for airway hyperresponsiveness.
The team of investigators is also studying the efficacy and safety of novel treatments of asthma and allergic disorders. We employ many experimental model systems that not only examine the therapeutic potential of new treatments but also explore biomarkers to identify the most appropriate patients who might benefit from these novel therapies. In addition, the basic research team is actively collaborating with the clinical research team to explore mechanisms of actions of new therapeutic modalities being used for patients. These studies will hopefully lead to treatments that modify the immune system in ways that will ultimately prevent and/or reverse the consequences of diseases such as asthma.
Current basic research projects include the following:
1. Pro-biotic prophylaxis of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
2. The relationship of RGS2 expression and airway hyperresponsiveness in humans.
3. The effects of cigarette smoke on airway smooth muscle contractile elements.
4. The role of estrogen receptors in allergic asthma.