Role of mast cells in airway remodeling

Curr Opin Immunol. 2007 Dec;19(6):687-93. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2007.07.018. Epub 2007 Aug 29.

Abstract

The extent of airway remodeling correlates with severity of asthma. Persistent airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is associated with airway remodeling, but not with inflammation. The increase in ASM mass is recognized as one of the most important factors related to AHR and to the severity of asthma. The infiltration of ASM by mast cells (MCs) is associated with the disordered airway function. The mediators such as tryptase and cytokines from MCs can modulate ASM cell function and induce goblet cell hyperplasia. MCs were found to contribute to the development of multiple features of chronic asthma in MC-deficient mice. Therefore, MCs play an important role not only in immediate hypersensitivity and late phase inflammation but also in tissue remodeling in the airway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asthma / immunology*
  • Asthma / metabolism
  • Asthma / pathology
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / immunology*
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Goblet Cells / immunology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / immunology
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism*
  • Mast Cells / immunology*
  • Mast Cells / metabolism
  • Respiratory System / immunology*
  • Respiratory System / metabolism
  • Respiratory System / pathology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators