Sprouty2 positively regulates T cell function and airway inflammation through regulation of CSK and LCK kinases.

The function of Sprouty2 (Spry2) in T cells is unknown. Using 2 different (inducible and T cell-targeted) knockout mouse strains, we found that Spry2 positively regulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling by modulating the activity of LCK. Spry2-/- CD4+ T cells were unable to activate LCK, proliferate, differentiate into T helper cells, or produce cytokines.

Optimal identification of human conventional and nonconventional (CRTH2IL7Rα) ILC2s using additional surface markers.

Background: Human type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are identified by coupled detection of CRTH2 and IL7Rα on lineage negative (Lin) cells. Type 2 cytokine production by CRTH2IL7Rα innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) is unknown.

Objective: We sought to identify CRTH2IL7Rα type 2 cytokine-producing ILCs and their disease relevance.

New insights in the diagnosis of chronic refractory cough.

Background: Chronic Refractory Cough (CRC) is a common condition that significantly impairs patients' quality of life. Unfortunately, in many situations patients continue to experience CRC in spite of following published guidelines for diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: 99 patients were referred to National Jewish Health (NJH), a specialty respiratory center for evaluation of CRC (cough ≥ 8 weeks duration).

Steroid resistance of airway type 2 innate lymphoid cells from patients with severe asthma: The role of thymic stromal lymphopoietin.

Background: Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) represent an important type 2 immune cell. Glucocorticoid regulation of human ILC2s is largely unknown.

Objective: We sought to assess steroid resistance of human blood and airway ILC2s from asthmatic patients and to examine its mechanism of induction.

Airway and serum biochemical correlates of refractory neutrophilic asthma.

Background: Despite progress in the diagnosis and management of asthma, many patients have poorly controlled or refractory asthma (RA). The mechanism of this RA is not well understood.

Objective: We sought to explore the relationship between neutrophils and other biomarkers of RA.

Mechanism of T2/T17-predominant and neutrophilic T2/T17-low subtypes of asthma.

Background: The mechanism of T2/T17-predominant and T2/T17-low asthma is unknown.

Objective: We sought to study the immune mechanism of T2/T17-predominant and T2/T17-low asthma.

Methods: In a previously reported cohort of 60 asthmatic patients, 16 patients were immunophenotyped with T2/T17-predominant asthma and 22 patients with T2/T17-low asthma.

Persistence of asthma requires multiple feedback circuits involving type 2 innate lymphoid cells and IL-33.

Background: Asthma in a mouse model spontaneously resolves after cessation of allergen exposure. We developed a mouse model in which asthma features persisted for 6 months after cessation of allergen exposure.

Objective: We sought to elucidate factors contributing to the persistence of asthma.

The role of atypical infections and macrolide therapy in patients with asthma.

For many years, the clinical benefit of macrolide use has been recognized in specific groups of patients with pulmonary disease. Dramatic improvement in survival of patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis is the most striking example of successful macrolide use as well as treatment of community acquired pneumonia caused by the atypical bacteria Mycoplasma, Chlamydophila, and Legionella. There also has been documentation of reduction in the exacerbation rate and of improvement in quality of life in patients with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and reduction in post-lung transplantation bronchiolitis frequency.

Increased frequency of dual-positive TH2/TH17 cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid characterizes a population of patients with severe asthma.

Background: TH2 cells can further differentiate into dual-positive TH2/TH17 cells. The presence of dual-positive TH2/TH17 cells in the airways and their effect on asthma severity are unknown.

Objective: We sought to study dual-positive TH2/TH17 cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from asthmatic patients, examine their response to glucocorticoids, and define their relevance for disease severity.

An Index to Objectively Score Supraglottic Abnormalities in Refractory Asthma.

Background: Patients with refractory asthma frequently have elements of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) with potential aspiration contributing to their poor control. We previously reported on a supraglottic index (SGI) scoring system that helps in the evaluation of LPR with potential aspiration. However, to further the usefulness of this SGI scoring system for bronchoscopists, a teaching system was developed that included both interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility.

An index to objectively score supraglottic abnormalities in refractory asthma: learning, validation, and significance.

Background: Patients with refractory asthma frequently have elements of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) with potential aspiration contributing to their poor control. We previously reported on a supraglottic index (SGI) scoring system that helps in the evaluation of LPR with potential aspiration. However, to further the usefulness of this SGI scoring system for bronchoscopists, a teaching system was developed that included both interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility.

Macrolides in the treatment of asthma.

Purpose Of Review: This review summarizes the importance of macrolide therapy in the treatment of asthma, discusses macrolide mechanisms of action, and outlines new clinical data supporting their use. The effects of macrolides on both the innate and adaptive immune responses are discussed.

Recent Findings: Subacute bacterial infection with both typical and atypical organisms contributes to poor asthma control.

Update on infection and antibiotics in asthma.

Asthma pathogenesis seems to be a result of a complex mixture of genetic and environmental influences. There is evidence that Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae (formerly known as Chlamydia pneumoniae) play a role in promoting airway inflammation that could contribute to the onset and clinical course of asthma. Evidence also indicates that when antimicrobial therapy can eradicate or suppress these organisms, it may be possible to alter the course of the disease.

Performance of a new screening spirometer at a community health fair.

Objective: Compare the results from a new screening spirometer (EasyOne) with the results from a standard laboratory spirometer (Vmax) approved by the American Thoracic Society.

Setting: A health fair at a community hospital.

Methods: We measured forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV(1)) and forced expiratory volume in the first 6 seconds (FEV(6)).