Suitability of a Low Dose Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Inhalation as a Challenge Model

This pilot study is planned to assess the suitability of a low dose Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhalation as a challenge model. As LPS effects are based on a different mode of action, this challenge model will provide the possibility to test a wider spectrum of potential drugs in the future. Provided that the LPS response is reproducible, it is planned to test whether a single high dose of inhaled steroid can serve as a positive control in the LPS model. Another major aim of the study is to test a variety of novel tools for the non-invasive assessment of airway inflammation induced by LPS challenge.