Grant: Project Grant

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition where airways widen, making mucus clearance difficult and causing repeat infections. Although cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most recognized type and now has major advances for therapy, it represents only a small fraction of all bronchiectasis cases, and limited approved therapies exist for the broader population. Our project aims to transform bronchiectasis care by examining how the immune system ("host") interacts with lung microbes. CF research shows that studying these interactions can yield life-changing treatments, which we believe holds true for all bronchiectasis. We will analyze a unique collection of more than 5,000 sputum samples from bronchiectasis patients at the University of Calgary, some dating back to 1980. Using cutting-edge "meta omics" technologies, we will investigate the lung's microbial makeup (microbiome) and immune signals (immunobiome). We hypothesize that a complex mix of underlying causes, immune dysregulation, and repeated infections explains the wide range of bronchiectasis patients. By merging microbial and immune data, we aim to predict which patients are more prone to lung flare-ups, known as exacerbations, and direct targeted treatments to prevent and/or manage them. Our team of specialists in respiratory medicine, microbiology, inflammation, bioinformatics and clinical care will work together to answer these crucial questions. Ultimately, we seek to uncover the roots of frequent infections (exacerbations) and identify "treatable traits," allowing for personalized therapies that improve the lives of people living with bronchiectasis.