Recent developments in diisocyanate asthma.
Despite recent advances in our understanding of diisocyanate-induced asthma, this disease remains a perplexing phenomenon. Studies reported in the past year have focused on: (i) diisocyanate antigens; (ii) the role of airway and skin epithelium; (iii) human immune responses to exposure; (iv) neurogenic pathways; and (v) genetic factors that may confer susceptibility. These studies support the hypothesis that diisocyanate asthma results from the host immune response to these chemicals, and may represent a mixed T helper type 1/2 response. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of diisocyanate asthma should facilitate the development of better diagnostic tests and strategies for disease surveillance and intervention.
Wisnewski
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Occupational and Environmental Medicine/Pulmonary and Critical Care Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA. adam.wisnewski@yale.edu
Redlich
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D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003485:Cyanates / Q000276:immunology*; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D017953:Isocyanates / Q000276:immunology*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D014051:Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate / Q000276:immunology*; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds
D003485:Cyanates; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D017953:Isocyanates; D014051:Toluene 2,4-Diisocyanate; C015262:1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate; C005969:4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds