Neutrophil serine protease activity in type 2 low asthma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterising neutrophil serine protease activity in type 2 low asthma
IRAS ID
361386
Contact name
Patricia Burns
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
CPMS ID, 72015
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Asthma is a common long-term condition that affects the airways and makes breathing difficult. While many people with asthma respond well to standard treatments, about one in ten have a form called type 2-low asthma. This type is particularly hard to treat, as current medicines such as inhaled steroids and biologic therapies are often ineffective. People with type 2-low asthma tend to have more hospital visits, more severe attacks, and a poorer quality of life.
A possible reason for this form of asthma is the presence of higher numbers of a type of immune cell called neutrophils in the airways. When activated, neutrophils release proteins including neutrophil elastase that can damage the airway lining and worsen inflammation. Recent research in other lung diseases has shown that medicines which block neutrophil activity may help reduce flare-ups. However, these treatments have not yet been studied in people with type 2-low asthma.
This project will investigate whether neutrophil proteins, particularly neutrophil elastase, are increased in people with type 2-low asthma compared to those with other types of asthma. We will recruit 120 people with moderate-to-severe asthma from NHS Tayside. Participants will be asked to provide sputum (phlegm) samples, undergo lung function tests, and complete questionnaires about their symptoms and quality of life.
The aim is to identify a specific “neutrophilic” form of asthma that may benefit from future treatments targeting neutrophil activity. If successful, this study will provide the foundation for a clinical trial of new medicines, with the ultimate goal of improving symptom control, reducing asthma attacks, and enhancing quality of life for people with type 2-low asthma.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
26/WS/0059
Date of REC Opinion
15 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion