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School of Medicine

Professor Angela Simpson BA MB ChB MRCP MD PhD

Professor of Respiratory Medicine

 

Memberships of Committees and Professional Bodies


Research

  • Early life risk factors for asthma and allergies
  • Gene environment interactions in respiratory disease

Key Words

  • Asthma
  • Allergy
  • Rhinitis
  • Eczema
  • Genetics
  • Birth cohorts
 

Methodological Knowledge

  • Birth cohort studies
  • Assessment of environmental exposures
  • Genotyping
 

Biography

Having completed clinical training in Respiratory and General Internal Medicine in the North West Regional Rotation, Dr Angela Simpson was appointed Senior Lecturer in Asthma and Allergy Research at the University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant Respiratory Physician at Wythenshawe Hospital in January 2005. Her research interests are in risk factors for the development of asthma and allergy and her work is centred on the Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study (MAAS). MAAS is a unique birth cohort study specifically designed to study risk factors for the development of asthma and allergies, with very detailed measures of environmental exposure in early life. Dr Simpson leads the collaboration with the Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research and is investigating gene-environment interactions in the development of asthma, eczema, rhinitis and allergic sensitisation in the cohort.

Dr Simpson is a co-investigator in a range of international asthma case control studies  which will give further information of gene-environment interactions in asthma in other geographic areas.

Dr Simpson is also co-ordinator for the national Study Team for Early Life Asthma Research (STELAR) – a group of principal investigators from birth cohort studies. The aim of STELAR is to facilitate collaborations between birth cohorts, to provide greater power to detect main effects and interactions.

 

Qualifications


 

Publications

2012

  • 1. Mölter A, Lindley S, de Vocht F, Agius R, Kerry G, Johnson K, Ashmore M, Terry A, i Dimitroulopoulou S, Simpson A. (In-press). Performance of a microenviromental model for estimating personal NO2 exposure in children. eScholarID:149405

2011

  • 2. et al. (2011). the EArly Genetics & Lifecourse Epidemiology (EAGLE) Consortium, Weidinger S. Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identifies three new risk loci for atopic dermatitis. Nat Genet, doi: 10.1038/ng.1017, eScholarID:149398 | DOI:10.1038/ng.1017
  • 5. Custovic A, Rothers J, Stern D, Simpson A, Woodcock A, Wright AL, Nicolaou NC, Hankinson J, Halonen M, Martinez FD. (2011). Effect of day care attendance on sensitization and atopic wheezing differs by toll-like receptor 2 genotype in 2 population-based birth cohort studies. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 127(2), 390-397. eScholarID:149389 | DOI:10.1016/j.jaci.2010.10.050
  • Custovic A, Soderstrom L, Ahlstedt S, SlyPD, Simpson A, Holt PG. (2011). Allergen-specific IgG Antibody Levels Modify The Relationship Between-Allergen Specific IgE And Wheezing In Childhood In Two Population-Based Birth Cohort Studies. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 127(6), 1480-1485. eScholarID:149392
  • Murray CS, Canoy D, Buchan I, Woodcock A, Simpson A, Custovic A. (2011). Body mass index in young children and allergic disease: gender differences in a longitudinal study. Clin Exp Allergy, 41, 78-85. eScholarID:110783 | DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2010.03598.x
  • Nicolaou N, Murray C, Belgrave D, Poorafshar M, Simpson A, Custovic A. (2011). Quantification of specific IgE to whole peanut extract and peanut components in prediction of peanut allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 127(3), 684-685. eScholarID:149395 | DOI:10.1016/j.jaci.2010.12.012

2010

  • Nicolaou N, Poorafshar M, Simpson A, Murray C, Kerry G, Härlin A, Winell H, Woodcock A, Ahlstedt S, Custovic A. (2010). Clinical Allergy Versus Tolerance Amongst Peanut Sensitized Children: Prevalence And Differentiation Using Component-Resolved Diagnostics. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 125, 191-197. eScholarID:77209 | DOI:10.1016/j.jaci.2009.10.008
  • Simpson A, Martinez F. (2010). The Role of LPS in the development of atopy in humans. Clin Exp Allergy, 40, 209-223. eScholarID:77210 | DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03391.x
  • Simpson A, Tan VYF, Winn J, Svensén M, Bishop CM, Heckerman DE, Buchan I, Custovic A. (2010). Beyond Atopy: Multiple Patterns Of Sensitization In Relation To Asthma In A Birth Cohort Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 181(11), 1200-1206. eScholarID:85281 | DOI:10.1164/rccm.200907-1101OC

2009

  • Fowler SJ, Langley SJ, Truman NJ, Woodcock A, Simpson A, Custovic A. (2009). Long term effects of allergen sensitisation and exposure in adult asthma: A prospective study. World Allergy Organization Journal, 2(5), 83-90. eScholarID:77214 | DOI:10.1097/WOX.0b013e3181a45f96
  • Patel S, Murray CS, Woodcock A, Simpson A, Custovic A. (2009). Dietary antioxidant intake, allergic sensitisation and allergic diseases in young children. Allergy, 64, 1766-1772. eScholarID:77212 | DOI:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02099.x
  • Simpson A, Custovic A. (2009). Prevention of allergic sensitization by environmental control. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep, 9(5), 363-369. eScholarID:77211 | DOI:10.1007/s11882-009-0053-y

2008

  • Bisgaard H, Simpson A, Palmer CNA, Bønnelykke K, Mclean I, Mukhopadhyay S, Pipper CB, Halkjaer LB, Lipworth B, Hankinson J, Woodcock A, Custovic A. (2008). Gene-Environment Interaction in the Onset of Eczema in Infancy: Filaggrin Loss-of-Function Mutations Enhanced by Neonatal Cat Exposure. PLoS Med, 5(6), e131. eScholarID:66664 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pmed.0050131
  • Henderson J, Granell R, Heron J, Sherriff A, Simpson A, Woodcock AA, Strachan D, Shaheen S, Sterne J. (2008). Associations of wheezing phenotypes in the first 6 years of life with atopy, lung function and airway responsiveness in mid-childhood. Thorax, 63( 11), 974-80. eScholarID:1d32415 | DOI:10.1136/thx.2007.093187
  • Nicolaou NC, Simpson A, Lowe LA, Murray CS, Woodcock A, Custovic A. (2008). Day-Care Attendance, Position in Sibship and Early Childhood Wheezing: Population-Based Birth Cohort Study. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 122(3), 500-506. eScholarID:66667 | DOI:10.1016/j.jaci.2008.06.033
  • Smith JA, Drake R, Simpson A, Woodcock A, Pickles A, Custovic A. (2008). Dimensions of Respiratory Symptoms in Pre-school Children: Population-based Birth Cohort Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2008, 177(12), 1358-1363. eScholarID:66661 | DOI:10.1164/rccm.200709-1419OC

2007

  • Marinho S, Simpson A, Lowe L, Kissen P, Murray CS, Custovic A. (2007). Rhinoconjunctivitis in 5-year-old children: a population-based birth cohort study. Allergy, 62(4), 385-393 . eScholarID:1d17522
  • Marinho S, Simpson A, Söderström L, Woodcock A, Ahlstedt S, Custovic A. (2007). Quantification of atopy and the probability of rhinitis in preschool children: a population-based birth cohort study. Allergy, 62( 12), eScholarID:1d17521
  • Semic-Jusufagic A, Bachert C, Gevaert P, Holtappels G, Lowe L, Woodcock A, Simpson A, Custovic A. (2007). Staphylococcus aureus sensitization and allergic disease in early childhood: population-based birth cohort study. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 119(4), 930-936 . eScholarID:1d17523

2006

  • Custovic A, Simpson A. (2006). What are we learning from genetic cohort studies? Paediatr Respir Rev, 7 Suppl 1, S90-2. eScholarID:1d14399
  • Keil T, Kulig M, Simpson A, Custovic A, Wickman M, Kull I, Lødrup C, Carlsen K, Smit H, Wijga A, Schmid S, Berg A, Bollrath C, Eller E, Bindslev-Jensen C, Halken S, Høst A, Heinrich J, Porta D, Forastiere F, Brunekreef B, Krämer U, Willich S, Wahn U, Lau S. (2006). European birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases: I. Comparison of study designs -- a GALEN initiative. Allergy, 61(2), 221-228. eScholarID:1d13026
  • Keil, T, Kulig, M, Simpson, A, Custovic, A, Wickman, M, Kull, I, Lødrup Carlsen, K, Carlsen, K, Smit, H, Wijga, A, Schmid, S, Von Berg, A, Bollrath, C, Eller, E, Bindslev-Jensen, C, Halken, S, Høst, A, Heinrich, J, Fantini, M, Brunekreef, B, Krämer, U, Willich, S, Wahn, U, Lau, S. (2006). European birth cohort studies on asthma and atopic diseases: II. Comparison of outcomes and exposures--a GA2LEN initiative. Allergy, 61( 9), 1104-11. eScholarID:1d17524
  • Marinho S, Simpson A, Custovic A. (2006). Allergen avoidance in the secondary and tertiary prevention of allergic diseases: does it work? Prim Care Respir J, 15( 3), 152-8. eScholarID:1d14400
  • Nicolaou N, Lowe L, Murray CS, Woodcock AA, Simpson A, Custovic A. (2006). Exhaled breath condensate pH and childhood asthma: unselected birth cohort study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 174( 3), 254-259. eScholarID:1d14402
  • Nicolaou N, Yiallouros P, Pipis S, Ioannou P, Simpson A, Custovic A. (2006). Domestic allergen and endotoxin exposure and allergic sensitization in Cyprus. Pediatr Allergy Immunol, 17( 1), 17-21. eScholarID:1d13025
  • Semic Jusufagic A, Simpson A, Woodcock AA. (2006). Dust mite allergen avoidance as a preventive and therapeutic strategy. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep, 6( 6), 521-6. eScholarID:1d30479
  • Semic-Jusufagic A, Simpson A, Custovic A. (2006). Environmental exposures, genetic predisposition and allergic diseases: one size never fits all. Allergy, 61( 4), 397-9. eScholarID:1d13024
  • Simpson A, John S, Jury F, Niven R, Niven RR M, Woodcock AA, Ollier WER, Custovic A. (2006). Endotoxin Exposure, CD14 and Allergic Disease: An Interaction between Genes and the Environment. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 174(4), 386-392. eScholarID:1d13021 | DOI:10.1164/rccm.200509-1380OC
  • Thomas M, Custovic A, Woodcock A, Morris J, Simpson A, Murray CS. (2006). Atopic wheezing and early life antibiotic exposure: a nested case-control study. Pediatr Allergy Immunol, 17( 3), 184-188. eScholarID:1d14666

2005

  • Calam R, Gregg L, Simpson A, Simpson B, Woodcock AA, Custovic A. (2005). Behavior Problems Antecede the Development of Wheeze in Childhood: a Birth Cohort Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 171(4), 323-7. eScholarID:1d9084 | DOI:10.1164/rccm.200406-791OC
  • Custovic A, Murray CS, Simpson A. (2005). Allergy and infection: understanding their relationship. Allergy, 60 Suppl 79, eScholarID:1d10458
  • Lowe L, Simpson A, Woodcock AA, Morris J, Murray CS, Custovic A. (2005). Wheeze Phenotypes and Lung Function in Pre-School Children. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 171(3), eScholarID:1d9085 | DOI:10.1164/rccm.200406-695OC
  • Simpson A, Custovic A. (2005). Pets and the development of allergic sensitization. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep, 5( 3), 212-20. eScholarID:1d10457
  • Simpson A, Custovic A. (2005). The role of allergen avoidance in the secondary prevention of atopic disorders. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol, 5( 3), 223-7. eScholarID:1d11201
  • Simpson A, Soderstrom L, Ahlstedt S, Murray CS, Woodcock A, Custovic A. (2005). IgE antibody quantification and the probability of wheeze in preschool children. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 116( 4), 744-9. eScholarID:1d12138 | DOI:10.1016/j.jaci.2005.06.032
  • Simpson, A, Maniatis, N, Jury, F, Cakebread, J, Lowe, L, Holgate, S, Woodcock, AA, Ollier, WER, Collins, A, Custovic, A, Holloway, J, John, S. (2005). Polymorphisms in a disintegrin and metalloprotease 33 (ADAM33)predict impaired early-life lung function. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 172(1), 55-60. eScholarID:1d10460 | DOI:10.1164/rccm.200412-1708OC

2004

  • Custovic A, Simpson A, Woodcock AA. (2004). Manchester cohort. Pediatr Pulmonol Suppl, 26, 12-3. eScholarID:1d9099
  • Custovic A, Simpson A. (2004). Environmental allergen exposure, sensitisation and asthma: from whole populations to individuals at risk. Thorax, 59( 10), 825-7. eScholarID:1d9088
  • Lowe L, Woodcock AA, Murray CS, Murray CS, Morris J, Simpson A, Custovic A. (2004). Lung function at age 3 years: effect of pet ownership and exposure to indoor allergens. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 158( 10), eScholarID:1d9087
  • Lowe, L, Murray, CS, Martin, L, Deas, J, Cashin, E, Poletti, G, Simpson, A, Woodcock, AA, Custovic, A. (2004). Reported versus confirmed wheeze and lung function in early life. Arch Dis Child, 89( 6), eScholarID:1d9092
  • Murray CS, Simpson A, Custovic A. (2004). Allergens, viruses, and asthma exacerbations. Proc Am Thorac Soc, 1( 2), eScholarID:1d11197
  • Simpson A, Custovic A. (2004). Allergen avoidance in the primary prevention of asthma. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol, 4( 1), 45-51. eScholarID:1d9097
  • Simpson A, Custovic A. (2004). The role of allergen avoidance in primary and secondary prevention. Pediatr Pulmonol Suppl, 26, 225-8. eScholarID:1d9098
  • Woodcock AA, Lowe L, Murray CS, Simpson B, Pipis S, Kissen P, Simpson A, Custovic A, NAC Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study Group. (2004). Early life environmental control: effect on symptoms, sensitization, and lung function at age 3 years. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 170( 4), eScholarID:1d9094 | DOI:10.1164/rccm.200401-083OC

2003

  • Custovic A, Simpson B, Simpson A, Hallam C, Marolia H, Walsh D, Campbell J, Woodcock AA. (2003). Current mite, cat, and dog allergen exposure, pet ownership, and sensitization to inhalant allergens in adults. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 111( 2), 402-7. eScholarID:1d6780
  • Simpson A, Custovic A. (2003). Early pet exposure: friend or foe? Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol, 3( 1), 7-14. eScholarID:1d10290
  • Simpson A, Green R, Custovic A, Woodcock A, Arruda L, Chapman M. (2003). Skin test reactivity to natural and recombinant Blomia and Dermatophagoides spp. allergens among mite allergic patients in the UK. Allergy, 58( 1), 53-6. eScholarID:1d6781
  • Simpson A, Simpson B, Custovic A, Craven M, Woodcock AA. (2003). Stringent environmental control in pregnancy and early life: the long-term effects on mite, cat and dog allergen. Clin Exp Allergy, 33( 9), 1183-9. eScholarID:1d6779

2002

  • Simpson A, Simpson B, Custovic A, Cain G, Craven M, Woodcock A. (2002). Household characteristics and mite allergen levels in Manchester,UK. Clin Exp Allergy, 32( 10), 1413-9. eScholarID:1d6782

2001

  • Custovic A, Hallam C, Simpson B, Craven M, Simpson A, Woodcock A. (2001). Decreased prevalence of sensitization to cats with high exposure to cat allergen. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 108( 4), 537-9. eScholarID:1d6783
  • Custovic A, Simpson B, Simpson A, Kissen P, Woodcock A. (2001). Effect of environmental manipulation in pregnancy and early life on respiratory symptoms and atopy during first year of life: a randomised trial. Lancet, 358( 9277), 188-93. eScholarID:1d6791 | DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(01)05406-X
  • Simpson A, Woodcock A, Custovic A. (2001). Housing characteristics and mite allergen levels: to humidity and beyond. Clin Exp Allergy, 31( 6), 803-5. eScholarID:1d10304
  • Simpson B, Custovic A, Simpson A, Hallam C, Walsh D, Marolia H, Campbell J, Woodcock A. (2001). NAC Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study (NACMAAS): risk factors for asthma and allergic disorders in adults. Clin Exp Allergy, 31( 3), 391-9. eScholarID:1d6784

2000

  • Custovic A, Hallam C, Woodcock H, Simpson B, Houghton N, Simpson A, Woodcock A. (2000). Synthetic pillows contain higher levels of cat and dog allergen than feather pillows. Pediatr Allergy Immunol, 11( 2), 71-3. eScholarID:1d10314
  • Custovic A, Simpson B, Simpson A, Hallam C, Craven M, Brutsche M, Woodcock A. (2000). Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study: low-allergen environment can be achieved and maintained during pregnancy and in early life. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 105( 2 Pt 1), 252-8. eScholarID:1d10320

1999

  • Custovic A, Simpson B, Simpson A, Hallam C, Craven M, Woodcock A. (1999). Relationship between mite, cat, and dog allergens in reservoir dust and ambient air. Allergy, 54( 6), 612-6. eScholarID:1d10318
  • Custovic A, Woodcock H, Craven M, Hassall R, Hadley E, Simpson A, Woodcock A. (1999). Dust mite allergens are carried on not only large particles. Pediatr Allergy Immunol, 10( 4), 258-60. eScholarID:1d10315
  • Green R, Simpson A, Custovic A, Faragher B, Chapman M, Woodcock A. (1999). The effect of air filtration on airborne dog allergen. Allergy, 54( 5), 484-8. eScholarID:1d10319
  • Green R, Simpson A, Custovic A, Woodcock A. (1999). Vacuum cleaners and airborne dog allergen. Allergy, 54( 4), 403-5. eScholarID:1d10323
  • Hallam C, Custovic A, Simpson B, Houghton N, Simpson A, Woodcock A. (1999). Mite allergens in feather and synthetic pillows. Allergy, 54( 4), 407-8. eScholarID:1d10322
  • Hodson T, Custovic A, Simpson A, Chapman M, Woodcock A, Green R. (1999). Washing the dog reduces dog allergen levels, but the dog needs to be washed twice a week. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 103( 4), 581-5. eScholarID:1d10326
  • Simpson A, Custovic A, Pipis S, Adisesh A, Faragher B, Woodcock A. (1999). Exhaled nitric oxide, sensitization, and exposure to allergens in patients with asthma who are not taking inhaled steroids. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 160( 1), 45-9. eScholarID:1d10321
  • Tunnicliffe W, Fletcher T, Hammond K, Roberts K, Custovic A, Simpson A, Woodcock A, Ayres J. (1999). Sensitivity and exposure to indoor allergens in adults with differing asthma severity. Eur Respir J, 13( 3), 654-9. eScholarID:1d10325

1998

  • Custovic A, Simpson A, Chapman M, Woodcock A. (1998). Allergen avoidance in the treatment of asthma and atopic disorders. Thorax, 53( 1), 63-72. eScholarID:1d10334
  • Custovic A, Simpson A, Pahdi H, Green R, Chapman M, Woodcock A. (1998). Distribution, aerodynamic characteristics, and removal of the major cat allergen Fel d 1 in British homes. Thorax, 53( 1), 33-8. eScholarID:1d10335
  • Custovic A, Simpson A, Woodcock A. (1998). Importance of indoor allergens in the induction of allergy and elicitation of allergic disease. Allergy, 53( 48 Suppl), 115-20. eScholarID:1d10328
  • Simpson A, Hassall R, Custovic A, Woodcock A. (1998). Variability of house-dust-mite allergen levels within carpets. Allergy, 53( 6), 602-7. eScholarID:1d10333

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