Research

Immunological Factors of Lung Functions

Mechanisms of Immune Tolerance and Inflammation in Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Protocol Description

The goal of this study is to identify the immunological factors that influence a patient’s response to the presence of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) in the lungs. In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), this fungus is not known to cause damage to the lungs, but some patients respond with an allergic reaction that cause them to wheeze, cough, or have difficulty breathing. Approximately 230 patients will be enrolled with an additional 60 people who do not have CF and who do not have a history of asthma to serve as a comparison group.

Eligibility Criteria

Patients 6 years of age and older with cystic fibrosis and the presence of A. fumigatus in throat or sputum culture or the diagnosis of ABPA will be included in this study. Subjects without CF will also be enrolled to serve as a control group.
Boys: 6 years and older
Girls: 6 years and older

Requirements
Participants will be required to have a blood draw to isolate a variety of immune cells and test the response of those cells to aspergillus, and skin testing will be done to determine an allergic response to aspergillus.
Visits: 2
Duration: 6 months to 5 years

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source of Support
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC – Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research Center, Pulmonology Division Funds

Additional Resources
Cystic Fibrosis