Targeting the Epithelial Alarmin Axis with Biomedical Nanoparticles: A New Frontier in Allergic Asthma Therapy

Int J Nanomedicine. 2026 Mar 31:21:588680. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S588680. eCollection 2026.

Abstract

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease driven by type 2 immune responses, whose pathogenesis correlates with the release of epithelial alarm proteins-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin-25 (IL-25), and interleukin-33 (IL-33)-by airway epithelial cells following barrier injury. This paper systematically reviews the cutting-edge applications of nanoparticles (NPs) in targeting the epithelial alarmin signaling axis and its downstream immune cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, Th2 cells, and regulatory T cells. By systematically reviewing research progress on nanoparticles in allergic asthma treatment, this review provides crucial theoretical support and technical frameworks for developing precise, efficient, and less-side-effect asthma therapies. It offers forward-looking guidance for advancing asthma treatment from laboratory to clinical translation.

Keywords: DNAzyme nanocapsules; MSC-exosomes; allergic asthma; epithelial alarmins; immunomodulation; nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alarmins* / immunology
  • Alarmins* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Asthma* / drug therapy
  • Asthma* / immunology
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects
  • Epithelial Cells / immunology
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-33 / immunology
  • Nanoparticles* / administration & dosage
  • Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin

Substances

  • Alarmins
  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-33
  • Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin