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Ultrafine particles in air pollution may heighten allergic inflammation in asthma

A new study found that ultrafine particles from vehicular emissions can boost allergic inflammation in the lungs, exacerbating asthma. The researchers used a real-time testing method to isolate the effects of ultrafine particles on the immune response in mice, and found significant enhancement of allergic airway inflammation with expos...

Visualizing asthma-causing immune cells at work

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed noninvasive methods to visualize eosinophils in real-time, revealing the impact of dexamethasone on allergic airway inflammation. These techniques may improve diagnosis and treatment assessment for asthma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 6, 2008

New role in asthma for old drug

Researchers at Erasmus University found that inhaling iloprost, a pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment, inhibits the Th2 cell inflammatory response in mice with allergic asthma. This study suggests targeting dendritic cells via iloprost may provide a new treatment for individuals with asthma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2007

JCI table of contents: May 4, 2006

Research reveals a previously unknown role for histamine receptors in asthma, suggesting that blocking these receptors could alleviate symptoms. Additionally, a novel peptide inhibitor has been discovered to prevent bone loss in osteoporosis by targeting the RANK/TNF pathway.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2006

Antibody therapy reduces asthma in mice

Researchers have found that C5aR blockade promotes Th2 sensitization upon first exposure to inhaled allergen, while during established inflammation suppresses the cardinal features of asthma. This study provides new insights into the role of the anaphylatoxin C5a receptor in type 2 immunity and asthma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2006

Virus in babies may cause asthma later on

Researchers found that viral infections in infancy can cause long-term changes in the body's anti-viral system, leading to chronic respiratory inflammation and distress. Mice infected with paramyxoviral virus developed airway hyperreactivity and mucus-producing cells, symptoms similar to asthma.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 10, 2002

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for February (first issue)

A new study found that caregivers with higher perceived stress levels had infants who experienced more wheezing episodes during the first 14 months of life. Additionally, exposure to German cockroach allergen was associated with increased risk of asthma attacks in susceptible children. Researchers also developed a molecular model of th...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2002