Year: 2016
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Human asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the expression of both Th2 and Th17 cytokines.In vitro and in vivo studies have shown a reciprocal regulation between Th2 and Th17 pathways, suggesting a potential induction of neutrophil-promoting Th17 inflammation in the absence of a Th2 response.Alternaria alternata is a clinically relevant allergen that is associated with severe and fatal asthma exacerbations.Exposure to A. alternata is characterized by a predominant Th2 response, but can also induce the production of factors associated with Th17 responses (e.g., CXCL8) from epithelial cells.Using a mouse model, we found that wild-type mice develop an eosinophilic Th2 airway disease in response to A. alternata exposure, while IL-4-, IL-13-, and STAT6-deficient mice exhibit a primarily neutrophilic response.Neutrophilic asthma in STAT6 -/-mice was accompanied by elevated lung levels of TNF-α, CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL5, and was steroid-resistant.Neutralization of Materials and Methods ...............
Author: Andrea C. Valladao
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2588999308