Luzheng Xue

Main Research Aims:

We are focused on defining immune pathogenic mechanisms underpinning airway inflammation, particularly eosinophilic asthma and developing novel therapeutic approaches.

Current Research Themes:

•  Roles of type-2 immune cells in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic T2 high asthma

We are utilizing different research technologies to define the profiles of type-2 cells (including Th2, Tc2 and ILC2) in different asthma sub-phenotypes, and the cell response to different clinical treatments. We are also using various approaches to investigate the roles of these cells and their interaction with other cells in the disease.

• Functions and signalling mechanisms of prostaglandin D₂/CRTH2 in airway inflammation

Prostaglandin D₂(PGD₂) has been detected in high concentrations at sites of allergic inflammation. Through its action on its receptor CRTH2, PGD₂elicits many pro-inflammatory responses in leukocytes. Pharmacological inhibition of CRTH2 represents a promising new treatment for allergic diseases. CRTH2 is selectively expressed in several pro-inflammatory immune cells. My team are using different strategies to understand the roles of CRTH2+ cells in airway inflammation and the functions of CRTH2 in these cells, and finally lead to novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of asthma.

• Improving the treatment and management of asthma

We have various drug and biomarker discovery programmes in asthma ongoing with the aim of defining subsets of patients amenable to novel therapeutic approaches. WE have strong collaboration with several pharmaceutical companies on their drug development.