The Role of Cytokines in Atopic Asthma

Abstract

Atopic asthma results from airway inflammation triggered by an environmental allergen. Symptoms include wheezing, dyspnea and cough, airway narrowing and/or hyperresponsiveness to several inhaled stimuli. Inflammation develops in a two-phase fashion. The first phase after exposure to the allergen consists of degranulation and release of both histamine and other stored preformed inflammatory mediators as well as newly synthesized ones, including cytokines, all of which increase mucus secretion and smooth muscle contraction. The second phase occurs later and lasts longer; it is due to different molecules: several cytokines and chemokines, arachidonic acid derivatives, enzymes such as metalloproteinases and cell adhesion molecules. Cytokines are key players in the chronic inflammation in asthma patients, but details on their role and interactions still remain undetermined. Recent evidence suggests that allergic asthma is a multifaceted condition actively controlled by effector as well as regulatory T cells (Tregs). T helper (Th) 2 cells and Th17 cells increase airway inflammation, while Tregs are anti- inflammatory. Cytokines are involved in the development and activation of all T cell subpopulations. They are also involved directly or indirectly in most approaches to asthma treatment. Several cytokines have been tested as therapeutic targets and some of the currently used therapies like corticosteroids, beta agonists and allergen immunotherapy affect cytokine production. The increased knowledge on cytokine interplay and lymphocyte subsets should generate new therapeutic strategies in the near future.

Atrophie und Ablösung der tracheobronchialen glatten Muskulatur

“…Zwar liegen bisher keine Untersuchungen am Menschen vor, jedoch ist dies auch einer der möglichen Mechanismen für die Atrophierung der bronchialen glatten Muskulatur unter Langzeittherapie mit ICS oder systemischen Kortikosteroiden. Es ist umfassend belegt, dass die antiproliferativen Effekte von Kortikosteroiden über mehrere verschiedene Wege vermittelt werden, die letztlich zur Reduktion unterschiedlicher Zytokine und Wachstumsfaktoren in den Atemwegen führen [22]. Allerdings spielen viele dieser Zytokine und Wachstumsfaktoren auch Schlüsselrollen in physiologischen Heilungs- und Reparaturprozessen in den Atemwegen [23].…”

Immune response to Streptococcus pneumoniae in asthma patients: comparison between stable situation and exacerbation

“…+ CD25 hi T cells may be involved in regulating the development of allergies and asthma [19,20]; therefore, we decided to evaluate CD4…”

“…Effector cells increase airway inflammation, while Tregs are anti-inflammatory. Cytokines are involved in the development and activation of all T cell subpopulations [20]. They are also involved directly or indirectly in most approaches to asthma treatment.…”

“…The classical view considers the immune response to S. pneumoniae to be based on anti-capsular antibodies, but several reports have described the involvement of T cells [10,16,20]. Mureithi et al have demonstrated the presence of T cell memory in response to this pathogen in human PBMC [26].…”

Genistein Attenuated Allergic Airway Inflammation by Modulating the Transcription Factors T-bet, GATA-3 and STAT-6 in a Murine Model of Asthma

“…These Th2 cytokines induce the recruitment of eosinophils, mast cells and lymphocytes. Furthermore, they also act on hyperplasia of smooth muscle and goblet cells and airway hyperresponsiveness, which are often associated with increased concentrations of serum IgE [2,3,4]. …”