Why focus on the epithelium?

Sub-optimal disease control

Despite advances in diagnosis and management, many patients with respiratory disease still experience sub-optimal disease control.1,2 In a quest for elevated patient care, understanding the central role of the epithelium as an immune-functioning organ in both upper and lower airway disease is critical.3-5

Further understanding

Much of respiratory disease pathogenesis can be understood by exploring the Type-2 and beyond Type-2 inflammatory cascades that start at the epithelium.3,4,6,7 Increased understanding of the epithelium should therefore inform scientific exchange, exploring ways to improve disease stability and achieve remission.8-10

Earlier monitoring

Earlier and more regular monitoring is crucial to manage the dynamic and complex nature of epithelial-driven disease and better patient outcomes.7,11,12
Professor Enrico Heffler, MD, PhD

Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Humanitas University

“My main clinical interests focus on inflammatory airway diseases, immunological mechanisms of allergic diseases, asthma, rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, anaphylaxis and food allergy.”

Professor Seema Aceves, MD, PhD

Professor of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at the University of California San Diego

"My research focus is on the immunological mechanisms and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis, and the clinical impacts of oesephageal tissue remodeling. I am dedicated to improving patient care and advancing research."

Professor Evan Dellon, MD, MPH

Professor of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina

“My clinical research encompasses epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical outcomes and translational research of eosinophilic esophagitis, with the overarching goal of enhancing patient care and quality of life."

Professor Albert Jan (Arjan) Bredenoord, MD, PhD

Professor of Neurogastroenterology & Motility at the University of Amsterdam

“My primary focus is on benign oesophageal diseases, particularly achalasia, reflux disease and eosinophilic esophagitis, with a particular interest in advanced diagnostic techniques. I am committed to advancing patient care, research and education in my field.”

Professor Claire Hopkins, BM BCh, FRCS(ORLHNS)

Consultant ENT Surgeon and Professor of Rhinology at King’s College

“My research focuses on improving outcomes of medical and surgical treatments for nasal conditions.”

Professor MeiLan Han, MD, MS

Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Health System and Director of the Michigan Airways Program

“My research interests are related to large clinical trials in COPD, defining disease phenotypes, new screening methods and treatment interventions, as well as the impact of smoking and smoke exposure on lung health.”

Dr Anju Peters, MD

Professor of Medicine and Associate Chief of Clinical Research and Practice Innovation, Northwestern University

“My primary research focus is in chronic rhinosinusitis and comorbid conditions. I have published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles in this field.”

Professor Dr Klaus Rabe, MD, PhD, FERS

Professor of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Kiel and Director of the Department of Pneumology, LungenClinic Grosshansdorf

“My research encompasses several fields of respiratory medicine, including asthma, COPD and lung cancer, with the aim to investigate the mechanisms of airway inflammation, early determinants of lung health and the pathophysiological links between respiratory and cardiovascular disease.”

Associate Professor Gilda Varricchi, MD, PhD

Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Naples Federico II

“My research area of interest is on the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma and allergic diseases, including the roles of eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, macrophages and specific cytokines in allergic disorders.”

Professor Ian Pavord, MA, DM, FRCP, FERS, FMedSci

Professor of Respiratory Medicine, University of Oxford

“My research focuses on identifying and validating biomarkers of eosinophilic, Type-2 airway inflammation in asthma and COPD.”

Dr Tanya M. Laidlaw, MD

Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School

“My primary research focus is on the causative mechanisms of AERD, severe asthma and nasal polyposis.”

Professor Louis-Philippe Boulet, MD, FRCPC

Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Laval University

“In the last three decades, I’ve been involved in research in asthma and respiratory allergy, as well as in education and knowledge translation in respiratory health.”

Professor Teal S. Hallstrand, MD, MPH

Professor of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington

“My particular interests are the management of difficult-to-control asthma and the pathogenesis of airway hyperresponsiveness including exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.”

Associate Professor Delbert (Del) Dorscheid, MD, PhD

Associate Professor, Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia

“I am currently investigating how repeated cycles of injury and repair of the airway epithelium contribute to the development of asthma.”

EpiCentral is an incredible new initiative, and it refocuses our attention on the epithelium
Professor Christopher Brightling
EpiCreator

The Epithelial Topics

TOPIC 1

Challenges in Severe Asthma

Learn more about the complex nature of airway diseases
Explore topic
TOPIC 2

Upper Airway

Review the role of the epithelium in upper airway diseases
Explore topic
TOPIC 3

Lower Airway

Examine the role of the epithelium in lower airway diseases
Explore topic
TOPIC 4

Upper GI Tract

Discover the epithelial drivers of gastrointestinal health and inflammation
Explore topic
1. Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Global strategy for asthma management and prevention. 2026. Accessed January 2026. https://ginasthma.org/2026-gina-strategy-report/; 2. Wang E, et al. Chest. 2020;157:790–804; 3. Bartemes KR, et al. Clin Immunol. 2012;143:222–235; 4. Gauvreau GM, et al. Expert Opin Ther Targets. 2020;24:777–792; 5. Fokkens W, Reitsma S. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2023;56(1):1-10; 6. Cohen L, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007;176:138–145; 7. Chapman DG, Irvin CG. Clin Exp Allergy. 2015;45:706–719; 8. Menzies-Gow A, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;145:757–765; 9. Thomas D, et al. Eur Respir J. 2022;60:2102583; 10. Lommatzsch M, et al. Lancet. 2022;399(10335):1664–1668; 11. Busse WW. Allergol Int. 2019;68:158–166; 12. Tran TN, et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2016;116:37–42.