title: Immunopathogenesis of bronchial asthma.
abstract: Bronchial asthma is a common immune-mediated disorder characterized by reversible airway inflammation, mucus production, and variable airflow obstruction with airway hyperresponsiveness. Allergen exposure results in the activation of numerous cells of the immune system, of which dendritic cells (DCs) and Th2 lymphocytes are of paramount importance. Although the epithelium was initially considered to function solely as a physical barrier, it is now evident that it plays a central role in the Th2-cell sensitization process due to its ability to activate DCs. Cytokines are inevitable factors in driving immune responses. To the list of numerous cytokines already known to be involved in the regulation of allergic reactions, new cytokines were added, such as TSLP, IL-25, and IL-33. IgE is also a central player in the allergic response. The activity of IgE is associated with a network of proteins, especially with its high- and low-affinity Fc receptors. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of allergic reactions helps us not only to understand the mechanisms of current treatments, but is also important for the identification of new targets for biological intervention. An IgE-specific monoclonal antibody, omalizumab, has already reached the clinic and similar biological agents will surely follow.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Comenius University School of Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia. milan.buc@fmed.uniba.sk
authors.forename: Milan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buc
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dzurilla
authors.forename: Mojmir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vrlik
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bucova
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D000069444:Omalizumab; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D016207:Cytokines; D000069444:Omalizumab