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Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
A role for eosinophils in airway remodelling in asthma
A Barry Kay1, Simon Phipps, Douglas S Robinson
1Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Imperial College London, National Heart & Lung Institute, Guy Scadding Building, Dovehouse Street, London, UK. a.b.kay@imperial.ac.uk
Abstract:
Over the years, the role of the eosinophil in asthma and allergic processes has been disputed. Recent human experiments using a humanised monoclonal antibody to interleukin-5 (IL-5), and animal studies involving specific IL-5 gene deletion, indicates that eosinophils might control downstream repair and remodelling processes. Eosinophils are a rich source of fibrogenic factors, particularly transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), the latent form of which is activated by epithelial-cell expression of the intergin alpha(v)beta(6). The emerging role for the eosinophil in airway remodelling might be important in future anti-asthma strategies. However, more effective eosinophil-depleting agents than anti-IL-5 are required before the definitive role of this cell type in asthma airway pathophysiology can be established.
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