I have shown that airway hyperreactivity, that is similar to asthma, is accompanied by recruitment of eosinophil inflammatory cells to airway nerves.  These eosinophils are activated and release a preformed protein, eosinophil major basic protein, which binds to and blocks M2 muscarinic receptors on nerves.   M2 blockade increases neurotransmitter release and increases bronchoconstriction, similar to asthma.  My lab is examining what mechanisms underlie recruitment and activation of eosinophils at the autonomic nerves in the lungs.  We are also working to understand how exposure to viral infection, organophosphate pesticides, ozone, or allergens all induce loss of M2 receptor function in the nerves, and the role of eosinophils in the resulting airway hyperreactivity.

Collaborations include:

David Jacoby MD (Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine). Viral infections and biochemical interactions of inflammatory mediators with M2 muscarinic receptors. 
Pamela Lein PhD (CROET) Mechanisms of organophosphate pesticide induced asthma. 

Current Graduate Students:  Norah Verbout (joined lab 2004), Kirsten Blensly (joined lab 2005)  and Kalmia Smith Buels (joined 2006).
Current Postdoctoral Fellows: Becky Proskocil PhD