Sputum-derived Cellular Targets After Xolair (Omalizumab)

This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, 16-week intervention study to show feasibility and proof of concept. Analysis of whole induced sputum is under development for endotyping for asthma, allowing sampling of rare cells from conducting airways, repeated sampling, and cell-specific detailed genomic evaluation. Investigators have developed a novel technique to simultaneously enrich innate immune cells from sputum. This technique allows for in situ analyses of sputum-derived human bronchial epithelial cells (sHBEC). The non-invasive nature of the technique provides a unique tool for in vivo human studies.