Linked Life Data

10224360

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/10224360

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2-4
pubmed:dateCreated
1999-6-10
pubmed:abstractText
There is increasing evidence that the asthma process is 'driven' and maintained by persistence of a subset of chronically activated T memory cells, sensitized against allergenic, occupational or viral antigens which 'home' to the lung after antigen exposure or viral infection. In general, allergens induce a CD4 T helper (Th) cell response, whereas viruses recognize CD8+ cytotoxic (Tc) T cells. In the asthmatic airways, there are CD4+ and, to a lesser number CD8+ cells with a type 2 cytokine phenotype (i.e., Th-2 and Tc-2 type). These cells produce interleukin (IL) 3 and 5 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor which recruit, mobilize and activate eosinophils for subsequent mucosal damage, as well as IL-4, an essential cofactor for local or generalized IgE production. This leads to epithelial shedding, mucus hypersecretion and bronchial muscle contraction. Thus, although the eosinophil may damage the mucosal surfaces in asthma, its function appears to be under T cell control. Support for this hypothesis includes: (1) activated T cells and their products can be identified in biopsies from the major variants of the disease (atopic, non-atopic and occupational asthma); (2) colocalization of mRNA for type 2 cytokines to CD4+ and CD8+ cells in atopic and non-atopic asthma; (3) the presence of activated cytokine-producing T cells in corticosteroid-resistant asthma; (4) the association of disease severity with type 2 cytokines, especially IL-5; and (5) the efficacy of cyclosporin A and a monoclonal anti-CD4 in chronic steroid-dependent disease. Inhibitors and/or antagonists directed against more precise T cell associated molecular targets hold promise for the future treatment of chronic asthma.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
1018-2438
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
118
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
133-5
pubmed:dateRevised
2005-11-16
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:articleTitle
T cells and chronic asthma.
pubmed:affiliation
Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review