A dual role for complement in allergic asthma.
Complement is an ancient danger-sensor system of innate immunity, providing first-line defence against pathogens. Concordant with its pro-inflammatory properties, complement contributes to airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness and mucus production during the effector phase of allergic asthma. In contrast to these pro-allergic properties, complement can also protect from the development of the maladaptive Th2-biased immune response that drives airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in allergic asthma. As such, selective targeting of pro-allergic complement pathways appears an attractive therapeutic option in allergic asthma.
Köhl
Jörg
J
Division of Molecular Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA. joerg.koehl@chmcc.org
Wills-Karp
Marsha
M
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D000706:Anaphylatoxins / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology*; D003167:Complement Activation; D006801:Humans
D000485:Allergens; D000706:Anaphylatoxins