title: Integrins: therapeutic targets in airway hyperresponsiveness and remodelling?
abstract: Integrins are a group of transmembrane heterodimeric proteins that mediate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. Integrins have been under intense investigation for their role in inflammation in asthma. Clinical trials investigating integrin antagonists, however, have shown that these compounds are relatively ineffective. Airway remodelling is another pathological feature of asthma that is thought to make an important contribution to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and lung function decline. Recent studies have identified integrins as important players in this process, with a particular role for β1 and αv integrins. Here we review the role of these integrins in airway remodelling and hyperresponsiveness in obstructive airway disease and their potential as pharmacological targets for future treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Herman
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Meurs
authors.affiliation: Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. Electronic address: B.G.J.Dekkers@umcg.nl.
authors.forename: Bart G J
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Dekkers
mesh_terms: D056151:Airway Remodeling / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D016023:Integrins / Q000378:metabolism*; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D016023:Integrins
keywords: airway fibroblast; airway hyperresponsiveness; airway remodelling; airway smooth muscle; integrin