Allergen-induced airway inflammation and its therapeutic intervention.
- Author:
Paul M O'BYRNE
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: asthma; allergen; inflammation; drug development
- MeSH: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; Asthma; Basophils; Bronchoconstriction; Eosinophils; Humans; Inflammation; Inhalation
- From:Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research 2009;1(1):3-9
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Allergen inhalation challenge has been useful for examining the mechanisms of allergen-induced airway inflammation and the associated physiological changes and for documenting the efficacy of drugs to treat asthma. Allergen inhalation by a sensitized subject results in acute bronchoconstriction, beginning within 15-30 min and lasting 1-3 hr, which can be followed by the development of a late asthmatic response. Individuals who develop both an early and late response after allergen have more marked increases in airway hyperresponsiveness, and greater increases in allergen-induced airway inflammation, particularly in airway eosinophils and basophils. All of the currently available and effective treatments for asthma modify some aspects of allergen-induced responses. These medications include short-acting and long-acting inhaled beta2-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, cromones, methylxanthines, leukotriene inhibitors, and anti-IgE monoclonal antibody. In addition, allergen inhalation challenge has become a useful method which can, in a very limited number of patients, provide key information on the therapeutic potential of new drugs being developed to treat asthma.
