Genetics of allergen-induced asthma.
Antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation are features of both human asthma and animal models of this disease. The genesis of these key asthma phenotypes represents the summation of a complex cascade of immune responses. It is hypothesized that multiple cell types are involved in the induction, propagation, and maintenance of these immune processes. Several molecules have been reported to be essential for cell-cell interactions, inflammatory cell recruitment, and effector functions leading to the overall expression of the asthmatic phenotype. This review summarizes the genetic evidence supporting a role for these molecules in antigen-driven airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.
Daser
A
A
Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Charite, Berlin, Germany.
Daheshia
M
M
De Sanctis
G T
GT
D000485:Allergens; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D015926:Complement C3a; D003182:Complement C5; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D051379:Mice; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer
D000485:Allergens; D003182:Complement C5; D015926:Complement C3a