Effect of neuromedin�U on allergic airway inflammation in an asthma model (Review)

Abstract

Asthma is a major inflammatory airway disease with high incidence and mortality rates. The Global Initiative for Asthma released a report called 'The Global Burden of Asthma' in 2004. However, the specific pathogenesis of asthma remains unclear. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that neuromedin U (NMU) plays a pleiotropic role in the pathogenesis of asthma. NMU is a highly structurally conserved neuropeptide that was first purified from porcine spinal cord and named for its contractile effect on the rat uterus. NMU amplifies type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2)-driven allergic lung inflammation. The NMU receptors (NMURs), designated as NMUR1 and NMUR2, belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family. NMUR1 has also been found in immune cells, including ILC2s, mast cells and eosinophils. In view of the important roles of NMU in the pathogenesis of asthma, the present review evaluates the potential mechanisms underlying the impact of NMU on asthma and its association with asthma therapy. Contents 1. Introduction 2. Overview of asthma 3. Biology of neuromedin U 4. NMU acts as a multifunctional neuropeptide in the pathogenesis of asthma 5. Clinical implications of NMU involvement in asthma 6. Conclusion

Neuroimmune regulatory networks of the airway mucosa in allergic inflammatory disease

“…This suggests the cooperative function of pro‐type 2 cytokine pathways and nociceptive neuropeptides. NMU activation of ILC2s promoted the recruitment of eosinophils and mucus production in the context of allergic airway inflammation and helminth infection 71,72,74 (Fig. 2C).…”

“…2C). Further, mast cells and eosinophils also express this receptor and may be subjected to NMU modulation of immune responses 74 (Fig. 2C).…”

“…NMU interaction with mast cells leads to degranulation releasing early inflammatory mediators that contribute to smooth muscle contraction and vasodilation 74 (Fig. 2A).…”

“…69 NMU receptors seem to be expressed on immune cells involved in type 2 inflammation. For example, only ILC2s express the NMU-R1 receptor as opposed to T cells or group 1 or group 3 ILCs [70][71][72]74 (Fig. 2C).…”

Neuromedins NMU and NMS: An Updated Overview of Their Functions

“…Therefore, these topics are not addressed in the present article. Interested readers are encouraged to refer to relevant papers on immunology and inflammation (122)(123)(124) and cancers (125).…”