Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
07:47
Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
Published on: February 15, 2013
Pneumococcal vaccines for allergic airways diseases
Alison N Thorburn1, Philip M Hansbro, Peter G Gibson
1The University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Disease, Newcastle, Australia.
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
|April 28, 2009
Summary
Pneumococcal infection may protect against asthma by modulating allergic airway responses. Further research is needed to explore pneumococcal immunoregulatory therapy for asthma management.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergy
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma is a prevalent global respiratory condition.
- Environmental factors, including bacterial exposure, may offer protection against asthma development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential protective effects of pneumococcal infection and vaccination in asthma.
- To explore the immunomodulatory mechanisms involved.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of experimental biology and human epidemiology.
- Analysis of studies linking asthma and pneumococcal infection.
Main Results:
- Pneumococcal infection can alter key asthma indicators like airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia.
- Exposure to inactivated pneumococcus demonstrates similar modulatory effects.
- The mechanism appears to involve the action of T regulatory cells.
Conclusions:
- Pneumococcal immunoregulatory therapy presents a promising avenue for asthma management.
- Further rigorous research is essential to validate its efficacy and safety.
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