Cross-roads in the lung: Immune cells and tissue interactions as determinants of allergic asthma

Lakshmi Ramakrishna, Victor Christoff De Vries, Maria Alicia Curotto De Lafaille

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Allergic asthma is a chronic disease of the lung characterized by underlying Th2- and IgE-mediated inflammation, structural alterations of the bronchial wall, and airway hyperresponsiveness. Initial allergic sensitization and later development of chronic disease are determined by close interactions between lung structural cells and the resident and migratory immune cells in the lung. Epithelial cells play a crucial role in allergic sensitization by directly influencing dendritic cells induction of tolerant or effector T cells and production of type 2 cytokines by innate immune cells. During chronic disease, the bronchial epithelium, stroma, and smooth muscle become structurally and functionally altered, contributing to the perpetuation of tissue remodeling. Thus, targeting tissue-driven pathology in addition to inflammation may increase the effectiveness of asthma treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)213-228
Number of pages16
JournalImmunologic Research
Volume53
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Allergic asthma
  • Allergic sensitization
  • Chronic asthma
  • Immune tolerance
  • Lung remodeling

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cross-roads in the lung: Immune cells and tissue interactions as determinants of allergic asthma'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this