Understanding Immune Cell Response in Asthma
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Determining how memory T helper type 2 (Th2) initiate recall responses to aeroallergens has the potential to change the therapeutic approach to allergic asthma, the most common asthma subtype. \~5-10% of effector Th2 cells recruited into the lung give rise to long-lived tissue resident memory cells that are poised to respond upon allergen re-exposure.Consequently, targeting memory Th2 cell activation is an attractive therapeutic strategy. However, it is not well understood how allergen inhalation initiates a memory Th2 cell response in the lung. The focus of this new study on the role of lung-resident memory Th2 cells in orchestrating the recall response to allergen in the lung, including the recruitment and activation of circulating Th2 cells, is a natural, timely and exciting extension of the investigators' ongoing Allergen Challenge Protocol.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop all current medications, but you cannot use certain medications like systemic steroids, beta blockers, or specific biologics within certain time frames before the study. If you are on daily inhaled corticosteroids, you may continue them if they are within the allowed dose.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Airway Brushing, Bronchoscopy/BAL in asthma?
Research shows that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a valuable tool in asthma research, helping to understand airway inflammation without causing additional inflammation in stable asthmatics. This suggests that BAL can be safely used to study asthma and potentially guide personalized treatment.12345
Is the procedure of bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and bronchial brushing safe for people with asthma?
Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and bronchial brushing is generally safe for people with asthma, though some may experience mild side effects like chest pain, shortness of breath, or flu-like symptoms. Most complications occur when both BAL and endobronchial biopsy are performed together, and the procedure is well-tolerated with minimal risks when guidelines are followed.678910
How does the treatment Airway Brushing, Bronchoscopy/BAL differ from other treatments for asthma?
Airway Brushing, Bronchoscopy/BAL is unique because it involves directly examining and collecting samples from the airways using a bronchoscope, which helps researchers understand the immune cell response in asthma. Unlike typical asthma treatments that focus on relieving symptoms, this method is used for research to study the underlying inflammation and cellular changes in the airways.14111213
Research Team
Andrew D Luster
Principal Investigator
MGH
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults aged 18-55 with allergic asthma, who've never smoked much (less than 5 pack-years and none in the past 5 years), have a certain level of lung function, react to indoor allergens like pet dander or dust mites, and are not pregnant or nursing. People can't join if they're on certain medications, have other lung diseases, severe allergies to specific drugs used in the study, recent infections or steroid use.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Bronchoscopy and Airway Brushing
Participants undergo bronchoscopy and airway brushing to collect samples for analysis
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the procedure
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Airway Brushing
- Bronchoscopy/BAL
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Andrew D. Luster, M.D.,Ph.D.
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Collaborator