title: Role of the Th2 cytokines in the development of allergen-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.
abstract: Increased production of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 by T-helper cells may be pivotal for the induction and regulation of allergic diseases. We have studied the role of IL-4 and IL-5 in the development of eosinophilic airway inflammation (AI) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a mouse model of allergen-induced bronchial asthma. Utilizing different modes of sensitization, we delineated the importance of IL-5-mediated eosinophilic airway infiltration for the development of in vitro and in vivo AHR and demonstrated the inhibition of airway inflammation and AHR by anti-IL-5 antibody treatment. Studies in IL-4- and IL-5 deficient mice revealed the importance of both cytokines for the induction of AI and AHR independently from the production of allergen-specific IgE, and indicated these cytokines as potential targets in novel approaches in the treatment of asthma.
authors.affiliation: Universitäts-Kinderklinik Charité, Berlin, Germany. eckard.hamelmann@charite.de
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hamelmann
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Wahn
authors.forename: E W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Gelfand
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens; D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D016207:Cytokines