BRETT FINLAY, PhD
“The Role of the Microbiota in Asthma”
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs whose incidence is increasing rapidly, making it a major problem worldwide. Although the exact cause is not known, environmental conditions such as the use of antibiotics, mode of delivery, etc., can have impact on asthma. Using an experimental murine asthma system, we demonstrated that shifts in microbiota triggered by antibiotics affected asthma outcome. We were Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs whose incidence is increasing rapidly, making it a major problem worldwide. Although the exact cause is not known, environmental conditions such as the use of antibiotics, mode of delivery, etc., can have impact on asthma. Using able to show that this shift needs to occur very early in life, and that certain microbes are associated with it. We also found that intestinal Treg cells were affected, but not lung Tregs. Using a clinical cohort of children (CHILD) we analyzed feces from 3 month old and one year old children. Remarkably, were associated with protection from asthma. Additionally, there were significant metabolic changes mediated by microbiota in those at risk for asthma. By transplanting these particular microbiota, along with feces inflammation in the murine asthma model. Collectively, we have found that microbiota play a profound impact on the host very early in life, which has later effects in asthma susceptibility.
Attendees will learn:
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The intestinal microbiota impact on asthma outcome.
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The effect early in life (first 100 days).
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The four microbial species that have been identified that suppress asthma.
DISCLOSURE: Dr. Finlay has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.