Grant: Operating Grant

Asthma is a common condition affecting millions of Canadians, and viral infections are important determinants of the natural history of the disease and as causes of acute exacerbations. Data from clinical studies and from surveys of patients suggest that nutritional supplements may be effective in reducing asthma symptoms and improving patient wellbeing. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a naturally occurring free fatty acid found in food products from ruminant animals, namely meat and dairy products. Studies in animals, and a recent human pilot study by our group, suggest that CLA may be effective in asthma. The effect of CLA on airway viral infections is not currently known. We propose to examine the effect of CLA on viral infection of airway cells, in particular examining ways in which CLA can strengthen the immune response of these airway cells to limit virus entry and spread. We will use human airway cells from asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects, grown in culture in our laboratory, to study these processes. We hope that this study will define a novel role for CLA in promoting airway health which will be relevant to patients with asthma.