Lung Health Research Group (LHRG)
Airways Inflammation Models
The research group has the capacity to conduct studies at all levels from cell cultures to clinical trials.
Model systems include:
- Cell lines: A variety of human bronchial and alveolar epithelial cell lines are available including: BEAS-2B, 16-HBE, HBE-1 and A549.
- Primary cultures (from normal human lungs):
- Epithelium: can be grown in submersion culture or at air-liquid interface
- Fibroblasts
- Smooth muscle cells (SMCs)
Have initiated co-culture models for epithelial-fibroblast or epithelial-SMC interactions.
Group members also have experience with a variety of other cell types, including macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, eosinophils and mast cells.
- Mouse models of: Allergen challenge (Both Ovalbumin & House Dust Mite models)
- SR antigen model of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (Farmer's lung). Have expertise in fibrosis in this model.
- Acute Lung Injury
- Also have a rat model of: Ovalbumin challenge
There are full facilities for nasal and pulmonary provocation studies, bronchoscopy (lavage/brushing/biopsy), sputum induction, pulmonary function (spirometry & plethysmography), exhaled nitric oxide measurements and exercise testing.
Capacities include:
- Allergen challenge - lung/nose
- Exercise
- Experimental rhinovirus infections (soon)
- Studies in asthmatics and patients with COPD
- Interventional bronchoscopy
The Lung Health Research Group at the University of Calgary in the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases is involved in numerous research areas targeting aspects of Asthma and COPD for which current therapies are less than ideal. The group is well positioned to study these complex diseases from a number of different perspectives, including studies of inflammatory mechanisms, surfactant function, airway remodeling, and epithelial cell biology, and can test pharmacological interventions in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. This research has been facilitated by the recent opening of a new ~1500 square foot "state-of-the-art" dedicated clinical research suite that is unique in Canada. The group is made up of basic and clinician scientists who are well published and recognized worldwide in their areas of expertise. The collaborative atmosphere within the group promotes a team effort to elucidating the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and finding better therapeutics for combating these ailments.
Lung Health Research Group Chair
Dr. Mark Giembycz
Tel: 403.210.8562
E-mail: giembycz@ucalgary.ca
Respiratory Clinical Trials Centre
As Calgary's largest respiratory research centre, the Respiratory Clinical Trials Centre at UCalgary's Cumming School of Medicine advances scientific and clinical knowledge in respiratory medicine through excellence in clinical research. We provide detailed clinical assessments and cutting-edge therapies. Learn more about our work and opportunities to participate in research.
Research Success Stories
UCalgary scientists discover new way to eliminate allergen-induced asthma attack
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