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Research Interests for Levine, Stewart, MD Regulation of Airway Inflammation in Asthma Our research focuses on the regulation of airway inflammation in patients with asthma. In particular, we are interested in cytokine receptor shedding as a mechanism by which pro-inflammatory events in the airway can be attenuated. We have identified a novel aminopeptidase regulator of tumor necrosis factor receptor shedding, that we have named ARTS-1, which promotes the release of soluble TNFR1 from airway epithelial cells. We are currently utilizing proteomic and cellular biological approaches to characterize the function of ARTS-1 and its ability to regulate innate immune responses via the modulation of cytokine receptor shedding. We are also interested in identifying novel mechanisms by which airway inflammation can be inhibited in patients with asthma and are conducting a clinical trial aimed at investigating whether TNF antagonism, utilizing a soluble TNF receptor, is efficacious for the treatment of asthma. We are also investigating whether novel polymorphisms exist in proteases that regulate cytokine receptor shedding in patients with asthma. Through these research efforts, our goal is to identify novel mechanisms by which airway inflammatory events can be down-regulated.
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