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Asthma. Eosinophils and neutrophils
1Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Heart & Lung Institute, London.
British Medical Bulletin
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Eosinophils are key inflammatory cells in asthma, contributing to airway damage and mucus production. Their numbers correlate with disease severity, and reducing them aids treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Eosinophils are recognized as major proinflammatory cells in asthma pathogenesis.
- Their granule proteins and lipid mediators contribute to airway epithelial damage, smooth muscle contraction, and mucus hypersecretion.
- While eosinophils are strongly implicated, the role of neutrophils in asthma remains debated, though their products can affect airway function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of eosinophils and neutrophils in the pathogenesis of asthma.
- To explore the mechanisms by which these cells and their products influence airway inflammation and remodeling.
- To highlight the complexity of asthma inflammation involving multiple cell types.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on eosinophil and neutrophil involvement in asthma.
- Analysis of correlations between cell counts/products and asthma severity.
- Examination of the functional effects of cellular mediators on airway tissues.
Main Results:
- Eosinophil numbers and products strongly correlate with asthma severity.
- Successful asthma treatment often involves resolution of local eosinophilia.
- Neutrophil involvement is controversial, but their products may impact airway function.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophils play a critical role in asthma pathogenesis through direct tissue damage and mediator release.
- The resolution of eosinophilia is a key indicator of successful asthma management.
- Asthma inflammation is a complex process involving eosinophils, neutrophils, T lymphocytes, mast cells, and macrophages.