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Adhikary PP, Idowu T, Tan Z, Hoang C, Shanta S, Dumbani M, Mappalakayil L, Awasthi B, Bermudez M, Weiner J, Beule D, Wolber G, Page BD, Hedtrich S. Disrupting TSLP-TSLP receptor interactions via putative small molecule inhibitors yields a novel and efficient treatment option for atopic diseases. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:1630-1656. [PMID: 38877290 PMCID: PMC11250841 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a key player in atopic diseases, which has sparked great interest in therapeutically targeting TSLP. Yet, no small-molecule TSLP inhibitors exist due to the challenges of disrupting the protein-protein interaction between TSLP and its receptor. Here, we report the development of small-molecule TSLP receptor inhibitors using virtual screening and docking of >1,000,000 compounds followed by iterative chemical synthesis. BP79 emerged as our lead compound that effectively abrogates TSLP-triggered cytokines at low micromolar concentrations. For in-depth analysis, we developed a human atopic disease drug discovery platform using multi-organ chips. Here, topical application of BP79 onto atopic skin models that were co-cultivated with lung models and Th2 cells effectively suppressed immune cell infiltration and IL-13, IL-4, TSLP, and periostin secretion, while upregulating skin barrier proteins. RNA-Seq analysis corroborate these findings and indicate protective downstream effects on the lungs. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first report of a potent putative small molecule TSLPR inhibitor which has the potential to expand the therapeutic and preventive options in atopic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partho Protim Adhikary
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Temilolu Idowu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zheng Tan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher Hoang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Selina Shanta
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Malti Dumbani
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leah Mappalakayil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bhuwan Awasthi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marcel Bermudez
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - January Weiner
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dieter Beule
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wolber
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Brent Dg Page
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Sarah Hedtrich
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany.
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Gilbert-Girard S, Piret J, Carbonneau J, Hénaut M, Goyette N, Boivin G. Viral interference between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and influenza A viruses. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012017. [PMID: 39038029 PMCID: PMC11293641 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Some respiratory viruses can cause a viral interference through the activation of the interferon (IFN) pathway that reduces the replication of another virus. Epidemiological studies of coinfections between SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses have been hampered by non-pharmacological measures applied to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the ease of these interventions, SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A viruses can now co-circulate. It is thus of prime importance to characterize their interactions. In this work, we investigated viral interference effects between an Omicron variant and a contemporary influenza A/H3N2 strain, in comparison with an ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain and the 2009 pandemic influenza A/H1N1 virus. We infected nasal human airway epitheliums with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, either simultaneously or 24 h apart. Viral load was measured by RT-qPCR and IFN-α/β/λ1/λ2 proteins were quantified by immunoassay. Expression of four interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs; OAS1/IFITM3/ISG15/MxA) was also measured by RT-droplet digital PCR. Additionally, susceptibility of each virus to IFN-α/β/λ2 recombinant proteins was determined. Our results showed that influenza A, and especially A/H3N2, interfered with both SARS-CoV-2 viruses, but that SARS-CoV-2 did not significantly interfere with A/H3N2 or A/H1N1. Consistently with these results, influenza, and particularly the A/H3N2 strain, caused a higher production of IFN proteins and expression of ISGs than SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 induced a marginal IFN production and reduced the IFN response during coinfections with influenza. All viruses were susceptible to exogenous IFNs, with the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron being less susceptible to type I and type III IFNs, respectively. Thus, influenza A causes a viral interference towards SARS-CoV-2 most likely through an IFN response. The opposite is not necessarily true, and a concurrent infection with both viruses leads to a lower IFN response. Taken together, these results help us to understand how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with another major respiratory pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jocelyne Piret
- Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie Carbonneau
- Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mathilde Hénaut
- Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Goyette
- Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guy Boivin
- Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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Shahdab N, Ward C, Hansbro PM, Cummings S, Young JS, Moheimani F. Distinct Effects of Respiratory Viral Infection Models on miR-149-5p, IL-6 and p63 Expression in BEAS-2B and A549 Epithelial Cells. Cells 2024; 13:919. [PMID: 38891051 PMCID: PMC11172188 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory viruses cause airway inflammation, resulting in epithelial injury and repair. miRNAs, including miR-149-5p, regulate different pathological conditions. We aimed to determine how miR-149-5p functions in regulating pro-inflammatory IL-6 and p63, key regulators of airway epithelial wound repair, in response to viral proteins in bronchial (BEAS-2B) and alveolar (A549) epithelial cells. BEAS-2B or A549 cells were incubated with poly (I:C, 0.5 µg/mL) for 48 h or SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-1 or 2 subunit (S1 or S2, 1 μg/mL) for 24 h. miR-149-5p was suppressed in BEAS-2B challenged with poly (I:C), correlating with IL-6 and p63 upregulation. miR-149-5p was down-regulated in A549 stimulated with poly (I:C); IL-6 expression increased, but p63 protein levels were undetectable. miR-149-5p remained unchanged in cells exposed to S1 or S2, while S1 transfection increased IL-6 expression in BEAS-2B cells. Ectopic over-expression of miR-149-5p in BEAS-2B cells suppressed IL-6 and p63 mRNA levels and inhibited poly (I:C)-induced IL-6 and p63 mRNA expressions. miR-149-5p directly suppressed IL-6 mRNA in BEAS-2B cells. Hence, BEAS-2B cells respond differently to poly (I:C), S1 or S2 compared to A549 cells. Thus, miR-149-5p dysregulation may be involved in poly (I:C)-stimulated but not S1- or S2-stimulated increased IL-6 production and p63 expression in BEAS-2B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafeesa Shahdab
- National Horizons Centre, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK; (N.S.); (S.C.); (J.S.Y.)
| | - Christopher Ward
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK;
| | - Philip M. Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney 2007, Australia;
| | - Stephen Cummings
- National Horizons Centre, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK; (N.S.); (S.C.); (J.S.Y.)
| | - John S. Young
- National Horizons Centre, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough TS1 3BX, UK; (N.S.); (S.C.); (J.S.Y.)
| | - Fatemeh Moheimani
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
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Ceulemans M, Wauters L, Vanuytsel T. Targeting the altered duodenal microenvironment in functional dyspepsia. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2023; 70:102363. [PMID: 36963152 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2023.102363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Duodenal micro-inflammation and microbial dysregulation are increasingly recognized to play an important role in functional dyspepsia (FD) pathophysiology, previously regarded as a purely functional disorder. With current therapeutic options contested through insufficient efficacy or unfavorable adverse effects profiles, novel treatments directed to duodenal alterations could result in superior symptom control in at least a subset of patients. Indeed, recent advances in FD research provided evidence for anti-inflammatory therapies to relieve gastroduodenal symptoms by reducing duodenal eosinophils or mast cells. In addition, restoring microbial homeostasis by probiotics proved to be successful in FD. As the exact mechanisms by which these novel pharmacological approaches result in clinical benefit often remain to be elucidated, future research should focus on how immune activation and dysbiosis translate into typical FD symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Ceulemans
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucas Wauters
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanuytsel
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Rhinovirus Infection and Virus-Induced Asthma. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122616. [PMID: 36560620 PMCID: PMC9781665 DOI: 10.3390/v14122616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
While the aetiology of asthma is unclear, the onset and/or exacerbation of asthma may be associated with respiratory infections. Virus-induced asthma is also known as virus-associated/triggered asthma, and the reported main causative agent is rhinovirus (RV). Understanding the relationship between viral infections and asthma may overcome the gaps in deferential immunity between viral infections and allergies. Moreover, understanding the complicated cytokine networks involved in RV infection may be necessary. Therefore, the complexity of RV-induced asthma is not only owing to the response of airway and immune cells against viral infection, but also to allergic immune responses caused by the wide variety of cytokines produced by these cells. To better understand RV-induced asthma, it is necessary to elucidate the nature RV infections and the corresponding host defence mechanisms. In this review, we attempt to organise the complexity of RV-induced asthma to make it easily understandable for readers.
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Schick F, Lechner J, Notter F. Linking Dentistry and Chronic Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases – Can Oral and Jawbone Stressors Affect Systemic Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis? A Case Report. Int Med Case Rep J 2022; 15:323-338. [PMID: 35782227 PMCID: PMC9242433 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s367434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This case report demonstrates the value of ultrasound measurements, and immunological and toxicological diagnostics in addition to current x-ray imaging procedures to diagnose hidden oral and maxillofacial infections. Using a clear scheme shows the procedure of the authors’ steps. The positive impact on the patient’s dermatological clinical picture is shown. Functional regeneration using metal-free ceramic implants and autologous bone augmentation is demonstrated. After a healing period, a postoperative control took place. Question Are chronic inflammatory and chronic toxic stressors from the oral region affecting the patient’s state of health and dermatological symptoms? Patients and Methods A 52 year old female suffering from neurodermatitis, who had been therapy-resistant for several years, was rehabilitated by oral surgery and prosthetics. Radiological examinations with orthopantomogram (OPG) and three-dimensional imaging (DVT/CBCT) were inconclusive for possible jawbone inflammatory sites. Immunological, toxicological diagnostics and trans-alveolar bone densitometry with ultrasound (TAU), were able to show immunological and toxicological stressors and areas of reduced bone density. Bone densitometry with ultrasound raised the suspicion of silent inflammations in the jawbone with potentially increased cytokine levels. Results For the patient incompatible materials, teeth with increased toxin exposure and surrounding softened, fatty, ischaemic bone was removed. Histologies and cytokine profiles were obtained. The resulting defects were functionally regenerated using ceramic implants and autologous augmentation. The cytokine profiles showed significantly elevated RANTES/CCL5, confirming the need for surgical intervention. The patient’s atopic dermatitis improved significantly in this case. Summary Individualized immunological and toxicological diagnostics and trans-alveolar bone density bone densitometry with ultrasound (TAU) identified immunological and toxicological stressors as well as reduced bone density with increased cytokine levels. A therapy-resistant neurodermatitis improved significantly after treatment. Conclusion This case report illustrates the need for patient-specific and individualized examinations that link dentistry more closely with other medical conditions in order to clarify possible interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Schick
- Clinic for Integrative Dentistry, Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: Fabian Schick, Clinic for Integrative Dentistry, Gruenwalder Str. 10A, Munich, 81547, Germany, Tel +49 89 697 00 55, Email
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Georas SN, Donohue P, Connolly M, Wechsler ME. JAK inhibitors for asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 148:953-963. [PMID: 34625142 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by intermittent episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, and cough. Many of the inflammatory pathways implicated in asthma involve cytokines and growth factors that activate Janus kinases (JAKs). The discovery of the JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway was a major breakthrough that revolutionized our understanding of cell growth and differentiation. JAK inhibitors are under active investigation for immune and inflammatory diseases, and they have demonstrated clinical efficacy in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atopic dermatitis. Substantial preclinical data support the idea that inhibiting JAKs will ameliorate airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in asthma. Here, we review the rationale for use of JAK inhibitors in different asthma endotypes as well as the preclinical and early clinical evidence supporting such use. We review preclinical data from the use of systemic and inhaled JAK inhibitors in animal models of asthma and safety data based on the use of JAK inhibitors in other diseases. We conclude that JAK inhibitors have the potential to usher in a new era of anti-inflammatory treatment for asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve N Georas
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.
| | | | - Margaret Connolly
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
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Sada M, Watanabe M, Inui T, Nakamoto K, Hirata A, Nakamura M, Honda K, Saraya T, Kurai D, Kimura H, Ishii H, Takizawa H. Ruxolitinib inhibits poly(I:C) and type 2 cytokines-induced CCL5 production in bronchial epithelial cells: A potential therapeutic agent for severe eosinophilic asthma. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2021; 9:363-373. [PMID: 33534941 PMCID: PMC8127547 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rationale Severe eosinophilic asthma is characterized by airway eosinophilia and corticosteroid‐resistance, commonly overlapping with type 2 inflammation. It has been reported that chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) is involved in the exacerbation of asthma by RNA virus infections. Indeed, treatment with a virus‐associated ligand and a T helper type 2 cell (Th2) cytokine can synergistically stimulate CCL5 production in bronchial epithelial cells. We aimed to evaluate the mechanisms underlying CCL5 production in this in vitro model and to assess the potential of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) as a novel therapeutic target via the use of ruxolitinib. Methods We stimulated primary normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells and BEAS‐2B cells with poly(I:C) along with interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) or IL‐4, and assessed CCL5 production. We also evaluated the signals involved in virus‐ and Th2‐cytokine‐induced CCL5 production and explored a therapeutic agent that attenuates the CCL5 production. Results Poly(I:C) stimulated NHBE and BEAS‐2B cells to produce CCL5. Poly(I:C) and IL‐13 increased CCL5 production. Poly(I:C)‐induced CCL5 production occurred via the TLR3–IRF3 and IFNAR/JAK1–phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathways, but not the IFNAR/JAK1–STATs pathway. In addition, IL‐13 did not augment poly(I:C)‐induced CCL5 production via the canonical IL‐13R/IL‐4R/JAK1–STAT6 pathway but likely via subsequent TLR3‐IRF3‐IFNAR/JAK1‐PI3K pathways. JAK1 was identified to be a potential therapeutic target for severe eosinophilic asthma. The JAK1/2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib, was demonstrated to more effectively decrease CCL5 production in BEAS‐2B cells than fluticasone propionate. Conclusion We have demonstrated that JAK1 is a possible therapeutic target for severe corticosteroid‐resistant asthma with airway eosinophilia and persistent Th2‐type inflammation, and that ruxolitinib has potential as an alternative pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Sada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Watanabe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiya Inui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keitaro Nakamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Hirata
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masuo Nakamura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kojiro Honda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saraya
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kurai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kimura
- Department of Health Science, Graduate School of Health Science, Gunma Paz University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Haruyuki Ishii
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Takizawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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