Honorary Professor John Upham
Honorary Professor

John Upham

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Background

John Upham is a clinical scientist and physician with longstanding research interests in the immunological basis of asthma and chronic lung disease, the role of dendritic cells in allergy and virus infections of the lung, and the development of novel approaches to severe asthma treatment.

John is highly influential in his field, with > 195 publications, > 5,400 citations and an H index of 46. Since 2009, he has 112 publications (1st/senior author on 45%) with a Field-Weighted Citation Impact of 2.03. Moreover, 21.5% of publications are in the top 10% of most-cited publications worldwide (field-weighted). His publications have been cited in >20 different subject areas, demonstrating translation to fields other than Medicine. His research has international reach with citations in 80 countries (Scopus Dec 2018).

In the last 10 years, he has secured over $24 million in research funding. John has been awarded 8 NHMRC Project grants (4 as CIA in the last 5 years), 2 NHMRC CRE (“Closing the gap in Indigenous Lung Health” and “Severe Asthma”), and 1 NHMRC Development Grant. He currently holds NHMRC grants of $7.5 million, including $2.96 million as CIA. John was regularly an invited (9x), plenary (3x) and Chair (9x) at national and international conferences in the last 5 years. In recognition of his international standing and influence in the field, he was elected Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (2004) and the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (2015).

Availability

Honorary Professor John Upham is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Cardiovascular medicine and haematology Clinical sciences Immunology Respiratory diseases

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Western Australia

Research interests

  • Immune function and susceptibility to virus infections in asthma and COPD

  • Plasmacytoid dendritic cells

    Type I interferon production Immune regulation

  • Severe asthma: towards evidence-based assessment and management

  • Innate immunity and bacterial infections of the lungs

    Bronchiectasis and chronic suppurative lung disease in children Lung health in Indigenous children

  • Allergy and immune tolerance

Research impacts

John is currently the President (2021-22) of the Thoracic Society of Australia and Zealand and is a key member of the NHMRC funded Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Asthma Treatable Traits. He has played a leadership role in organising and co-chairing three recent national symposia on severe asthma to facilitate research collaboration, build research and clinical capacity, and improve models of care for severe asthma. He has been a member of multiple advisory boards to pharmaceutical companies, both international and national (AstraZeneca, GSK, Novartis, Nycomed, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Mundipharma, Menarini), and has provided advice to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. His research has provided new treatment options for severe asthma, and guided the appropriate length of antibiotic treatment for Indigenous children with pneumonia, protracted bacterial bronchitis and bronchiectasis. John's research will inform best use of influenza vaccination in COPD, and guide the use of conjugate vaccines to improve immunity to Haemophilus in Indigenous children. He contributed to Clinical Practice Guidelines for the use of omalizumab and mepolizumab in Australia and he was part of the working group that prepared a web-based Severe Asthma Toolkit for the Severe Asthma CRE.

Search Professor John Upham’s works on UQ eSpace

377 works between 1983 and 2025
All (377) Journal Article (230) Book Chapter (5) Conference Publication (142)

241 - 260 of 377 works

2013

Conference Publication

CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC CEREBRAL DISEASE DUE TO NSCLC MANAGED AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL OVER A 5-YEAR PERIOD (2007-2011)

Samaratunga, D., Dauth, M., Ellender, C. M., Upham, J. and Murphy, M. (2013). CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC CEREBRAL DISEASE DUE TO NSCLC MANAGED AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL OVER A 5-YEAR PERIOD (2007-2011). HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.

CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC CEREBRAL DISEASE DUE TO NSCLC MANAGED AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL OVER A 5-YEAR PERIOD (2007-2011)

2013

Journal Article

The development of models for the evaluation of pulmonary drug disposition

Liu, Xin, Jin, Lu, Upham, John W. and Roberts, Michael S. (2013). The development of models for the evaluation of pulmonary drug disposition. Expert Opinion On Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, 9 (4), 487-505. doi: 10.1517/17425255.2013.754009

The development of models for the evaluation of pulmonary drug disposition

2013

Conference Publication

AN AUDIT OF PEOPLE PRESENTING WITH ACUTE SEVERE ASTHMA: CHRONIC POORLY MANAGED ASTHMA IS COMMON

Collins, T., Anderson, P., Upham, J. and Bowler, S. D. (2013). AN AUDIT OF PEOPLE PRESENTING WITH ACUTE SEVERE ASTHMA: CHRONIC POORLY MANAGED ASTHMA IS COMMON. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.

AN AUDIT OF PEOPLE PRESENTING WITH ACUTE SEVERE ASTHMA: CHRONIC POORLY MANAGED ASTHMA IS COMMON

2013

Journal Article

Impaired macrophage phagocytosis in non-eosinophilic asthma

Simpson, J. L., Gibson, P. G., Yang, I. A., Upham, J., James, A., Reynolds, P. N., Hodge, S. and AMAZES Study Research Group (2013). Impaired macrophage phagocytosis in non-eosinophilic asthma. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 43 (1), 29-35. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2012.04075.x

Impaired macrophage phagocytosis in non-eosinophilic asthma

2013

Conference Publication

A Nurse-Led Omalizumab Clinic: the Princess Alexandra Hospital Experience

Towers, M. A., Collins, T., Green, M. F., Oakland, N. C. and Upham, J. W. (2013). A Nurse-Led Omalizumab Clinic: the Princess Alexandra Hospital Experience. 2013 Annual Scientific Meetings of The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science, Darwin, NT Australia, 22 - 27 March 2013. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/resp.12046

A Nurse-Led Omalizumab Clinic: the Princess Alexandra Hospital Experience

2013

Conference Publication

Wet cough in children: infective and inflammatory characteristics in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid

Wurzel, D. F., Marchant, J. M., Upham, J., Yerkovich, S., Masters, I. B., Clark, J. and Chang, A. B. (2013). Wet cough in children: infective and inflammatory characteristics in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid. Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand and the Australian & New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science 2013 Annual Scientific Meetings, Darwin, NT, Australia, 22-27 March 2013. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/resp.12045

Wet cough in children: infective and inflammatory characteristics in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid

2013

Conference Publication

H. influenzae-specific antibody responses in children with chronic suppurative lung disease

Pizzutto, S., Yerkovich, S., Hales, B., Thomas, W., Upham, J. and Chang, A. (2013). H. influenzae-specific antibody responses in children with chronic suppurative lung disease. Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand and the Australian & New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science 2013 Annual Scientific Meetings, Darwin, NT, Australia, 22-27 March 2013. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/resp.12046

H. influenzae-specific antibody responses in children with chronic suppurative lung disease

2013

Journal Article

Wet cough in children: Infective and inflammatory characteristics in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid

Wurzel, D.F., Marchant, J.M., Clark, J.E., Masters, I.B., Yerkovich, S.T., Upham, J.W. and Chang, A.B. (2013). Wet cough in children: Infective and inflammatory characteristics in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid. Pediatric Pulmonology, 49 (6), 561-568. doi: 10.1002/ppul.22792

Wet cough in children: Infective and inflammatory characteristics in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid

2013

Conference Publication

Further description of protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) in children

Wurzel, D. F., Marchant, J. M., Mackay, I. M., Wang, C. Y., Sloots, T., Upham, J. W., Yerkovich, S., Masters, B. I. and Chang, A. B. (2013). Further description of protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) in children. American Thoracic Society 2013 International Conference, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 17-22 May. New York, NY, United States: American Thoracic Society.

Further description of protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) in children

2013

Conference Publication

Nasopharyngeal Aspirate (npa): is the Ideal viral sampling method in children with chronic respiratory symptoms

Wurzel, D. F., Marchant, J., Mackay, I. M., Wang, C. Y., Sloots, T. P., Upham, J. W., Yerkovich, S., Anderson-James, S., Baker, P. and Chang, A. B. (2013). Nasopharyngeal Aspirate (npa): is the Ideal viral sampling method in children with chronic respiratory symptoms. ATS 2013 International Conference, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 17-22 May 2013. New York, NY, United States: American Thoracic Society.

Nasopharyngeal Aspirate (npa): is the Ideal viral sampling method in children with chronic respiratory symptoms

2013

Conference Publication

Human Rhinovirus Enhances Expression Of Co-Inhibitory Molecules On Antigen Presenting Cells

Upham, J. W., Carroll, M. and White, O. (2013). Human Rhinovirus Enhances Expression Of Co-Inhibitory Molecules On Antigen Presenting Cells. NEW YORK: AMER THORACIC SOC.

Human Rhinovirus Enhances Expression Of Co-Inhibitory Molecules On Antigen Presenting Cells

2013

Conference Publication

Characteristics of Uncontrolled Asthma in Australia

Powell, H., Garside, C. G., Simpson, J. L., Yang, I. A., Reynolds, P. N., Hodge, S. J., James, A. L., Upham, J., Jenkins, C. R., Peters, M. J. and Gibson, P. G. (2013). Characteristics of Uncontrolled Asthma in Australia. 2013 Annual Scientific Meetings of The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science, Darwin, NT Australia, 22 - 27 March 2013. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/resp.12046

Characteristics of Uncontrolled Asthma in Australia

2013

Journal Article

Respiratory virus detection in nasopharyngeal aspirate versus bronchoalveolar lavage is dependent on virus type in children with chronic respiratory symptoms

Wurzel D.F., Marchant J.M., Clark J.E., Mackay I.M., Wang C.Y.T., Sloots T.P., Upham J.W., Yerkovich S.T., Masters I.B., Baker P.J., Anderson-James S. and Chang A.B. (2013). Respiratory virus detection in nasopharyngeal aspirate versus bronchoalveolar lavage is dependent on virus type in children with chronic respiratory symptoms. Journal of Clinical Virology, 58 (4), 683-688. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2013.09.016

Respiratory virus detection in nasopharyngeal aspirate versus bronchoalveolar lavage is dependent on virus type in children with chronic respiratory symptoms

2013

Conference Publication

Alternatives to Induced Sputum for Identifying Patients with Eosinophilic Asthma

Simpson, J. L., Yang, I. A., Reynolds, P. N., Hodge, S. J., James, A. L., Upham, J., Jenkins, C., Peters, M. and Gibson, P. G. (2013). Alternatives to Induced Sputum for Identifying Patients with Eosinophilic Asthma. 2013 Annual Scientific Meetings of The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science, Darwin, NT Australia, 22 - 27 March 2013. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/resp.12046

Alternatives to Induced Sputum for Identifying Patients with Eosinophilic Asthma

2013

Conference Publication

Protracted bacterial bronchitis in children: results of a large prospective cohort study

Wurzel, D. F., Marchant, J. M., Mackay, I. M., Wang, C. Y. T., Sloots, T., Upham, J., Yerkovich, S., Clark, J., Masters, I. B. and Chang, A. B. (2013). Protracted bacterial bronchitis in children: results of a large prospective cohort study. Thoracic Society of Australia & New Zealand and the Australian & New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science 2013 Annual Scientific Meetings, Darwin, NT, Australia, 22-27 March 2013. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/resp.12046

Protracted bacterial bronchitis in children: results of a large prospective cohort study

2013

Journal Article

Bronchoscopy contributes to the clinical management of indigenous children newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis

Pizzutto, Susan J., Grimwood, Keith, Bauert, Paul, Schutz, Kobi L., Yerkovich, Stephanie T., Upham, John W. and Chang, Anne B. (2013). Bronchoscopy contributes to the clinical management of indigenous children newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis. Pediatric Pulmonology, 48 (1), 67-73. doi: 10.1002/ppul.22544

Bronchoscopy contributes to the clinical management of indigenous children newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis

2012

Journal Article

Innate interferons inhibit allergen and microbial specific T(H)2 responses

Pritchard, Antonia L., White, Olivia J., Burel, Julie G. and Upham, John W. (2012). Innate interferons inhibit allergen and microbial specific T(H)2 responses. Immunology and Cell Biology, 90 (10), 974-977. doi: 10.1038/icb.2012.39

Innate interferons inhibit allergen and microbial specific T(H)2 responses

2012

Journal Article

Pulmonary Innate Immunity in Children with Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis

Chang, Anne B., Yerkovich, Stephanie T., Gibson, Peter G., Anderson-James, Sophie, Petsky, Helen L., Carroll, Melanie L., Masters, I. Brent, Marchant, Julie M., Wurzel, Danielle and Upham, John W. (2012). Pulmonary Innate Immunity in Children with Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis. Journal of Pediatrics, 161 (4), 621-625.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.03.049

Pulmonary Innate Immunity in Children with Protracted Bacterial Bronchitis

2012

Journal Article

Airway epithelial cells condition dendritic cells to express multiple immune surveillance genes

Rate, Angela, Bosco, Anthony, McKenna, Kathy L., Holt, Patrick G. and Upham, John W. (2012). Airway epithelial cells condition dendritic cells to express multiple immune surveillance genes. PLoS One, 7 (9 Article No. e44941) e44941, e44941. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044941

Airway epithelial cells condition dendritic cells to express multiple immune surveillance genes

2012

Journal Article

Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) is present at high concentrations in the lungs of children and varies with age and the pattern of lung inflammation

Yerkovich, Stephanie T., Chang, Anne B., Carroll, Melanie L., Petsky, Helen L., Scrivener, Greta and Upham, John W. (2012). Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) is present at high concentrations in the lungs of children and varies with age and the pattern of lung inflammation. Respirology, 17 (5), 841-846. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2012.02174.x

Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) is present at high concentrations in the lungs of children and varies with age and the pattern of lung inflammation

Past funding

  • 2020 - 2021
    Reducing acute severe respiratory events in health care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic with OM85
    NHMRC MRFF Coronavirus Research Response
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    The airway epithelium in paediatric respiratory diseases
    UWA-UQ Bilateral Research Collaboration Award
    Open grant

Availability

Honorary Professor John Upham is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

  • Immune dysregulation in asthma and host defence against respiratory viruses

    Our program of translational research is focussed on the study of immune function and dysfunction in asthma, and host defence against respiratory viruses, especially human rhinoviruses. We are interested in the mechanisms leading to excessive airway inflammation in asthma, and why people with asthma are unusually susceptible to asthma attacks during respiratory viral infections. Our aim is to discover new therapeutic targets in severe asthma.

    Research Projects

    • The function of key immune cells such as antigen presenting cells and NK cells
    • The role of polarizing cytokines such as IL-33, IL-25 and TSLP in altering host defence against viruses.
    • How macrolide antibiotics alter immune function

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Honorary Professor John Upham directly for media enquiries about:

  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Dendritic cells
  • Immunity
  • Lung infections
  • Lungs - virus infections
  • Virus infections of the lung

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