Expression of IL-4 receptor α on smooth muscle cells is not necessary for development of experimental allergic asthma
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Background Airflow in the lungs of patients with allergic asthma is impaired by excessive mucus production and airway smooth muscle contractions. Elevated levels of the cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 are associated with this pathology. In vitro studies have suggested that IL-4 receptor α (IL-4Rα) signaling on smooth muscle cells is critical for airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Objective To define the contribution of IL-4 and IL-13 to the onset of asthmatic pathology, the role of their key receptor IL-4Rα in smooth muscle cells was examined in vivo. Methods By using transgenic smooth muscle myosin heavy chaincreIL-4Rα-/lox mice deficient in IL-4Rα in smooth muscle cells, in vivo effects of impaired IL-4Rα signaling in smooth muscle cells on the outcome of asthmatic disease were investigated for the first time. Allergic asthma was introduced in mice by repeated sensitization with ovalbumin/aluminum hydroxide on days 0, 7, and 14, followed by intranasal allergen challenge on days 21 to 23. Mice were investigated for the presence of airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, allergen-specific antibody production, Th2-type cytokine responses, and lung pathology. Results Airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, mucus production, Th2 cytokine production, and specific antibody responses were unaffected in smooth muscle myosin heavy chaincreIL-4Rα-/lox mice compared with control animals. Conclusion The impairment of IL-4Rα on smooth muscle cells had no effect on major etiologic markers of allergic asthma. These findings suggest that IL-4Rα responsiveness in airway smooth muscle cells during the early phase of allergic asthma is not, as suggested, necessary for the outcome of the disease.
Journal
The journal of allergy and clinical immunology
Publication Name
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Volume
126
ISBN/ISSN
1097-6825
Edition
N/A
Issue
2
Pages Count
8
Location
N/A
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Url
N/A
Publisher Location
N/A
Publish Date
N/A
Url
N/A
Date
N/A
EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.1016/j.jaci.2010.04.028