URBANEK , Konrad

Background: The need for new options for chronic lung diseases promotes the research on stem cells for lung repair. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can modulate lung inflammation, but the data on cellular processes involved in early airway remodeling and the potential involvement of neuropeptides are scarce. Objectives: To...

Structural changes contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness and airflow obstruction in asthma. Emerging evidence points to the involvement of c-kit+ cells in lung homeostasis, although their potential role in asthma is unknown. Our aim was to isolate c-kit+ cells from normal mouse lungs and to test whether these cells can interfere with...

Dendritic Cells (DCs) recognize infectious non-self molecules and engage the adaptive immune system thereby initiating long lasting, antigen-specific responses. As such, the ability to activate DCs is considered a key tool to enhance the efficacy and quality of vaccination. Here we report a novel immunomodulatory sulfolipid named β-SQDG18 that...

There is evidence supporting a role for Nociceptin/OrphaninFQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOP) and its endogenous ligand N/OFQ in the modulation of neurogenic inflammation, airway tone and calibre. We hypothesised that NOP activation has beneficial effects upon asthma immunopathology and airway hyper-responsiveness. Therefore, the expression and function...