Molecular characterization of asthma phenotypes – A translational approach

Current challenges in asthma disease management are likely related to the high degree of heterogeneity of the disease.

Inhaled corticosteroids, which decrease airway type 2 inflammation (‘T2-high’), are a mainstay of asthma treatment; however, many patients continue having exacerbations despite treatment, potentially because they have persistent ‘T2-high’ or ‘T2-low’ inflammation and other factors driving the immunopathology of disease.

Indeed, epidemiological data from large asthma cohorts have identified an overrepresentation of poorly controlled asthma in distinct asthma groups.

In the proposed research project, we have full access to a unique population-based asthma cohort, the West Sweden Asthma Study with detailed clinical data.

We have access to samples from both airways and blood in well-characterized asthma groups, allowing us to study the understudied ‘T2-low’ asthma group in comparison with the ‘T2-high’ asthma group. There is a huge current unmet need to identify immune mechanisms in clinically well-characterized asthmatics.

We are using novel methodology such as PrimeFlow®, which allow us to measure miRNA by flow cytometry, masscytometry, NanoString and RNA-sequencing.Through integrating epidemiological, clinical, and mechanistic approaches, our translation research program has the potential to uncover significant new knowledge both regards to better understanding of the immunological basis of asthma and progressing efforts towards developing novel therapies.