Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
New biological approaches in asthma: DNA-based therapy
Li-Chieh Wang1, Jyh-Hong Lee, Yao-Hsu Yang
1Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|June 23, 2007
Summary
DNA-based gene therapy offers a novel approach to asthma treatment by targeting underlying inflammation. This strategy aims to enhance the immune response, potentially leading to long-lasting symptom control and reduced medication dependence.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Genetics
Background:
- Asthma involves chronic airway inflammation, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, and reversible obstruction, often driven by a type 2 T helper (Th2) cell response.
- Current asthma medications, including corticosteroids and bronchodilators, do not provide adequate symptom control for all patients.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to address the Th2-dominant inflammation characteristic of asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore DNA-based gene therapy as a novel therapeutic strategy for asthma.
- To investigate the potential of immunostimulatory gene therapy, specifically using CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, to modulate the immune response in asthma.
- To highlight the application of DNA-based approaches, including gene therapy and antisense oligonucleotides, for counteracting Th2 inflammation in asthma.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on asthma pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches.
- Focus on DNA-based therapies, including immunostimulatory gene therapy with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides.
- Discussion of antisense oligonucleotides for targeting specific mRNA species involved in asthma.
Main Results:
- CpG oligodeoxynucleotides can stimulate innate immunity and augment the type 1 T helper (Th1) response.
- DNA gene therapy can introduce genes to target Th1 cytokines or other mediators to counteract Th2 inflammation.
- Antisense oligonucleotides offer a mechanism to target specific mRNA molecules relevant to asthma.
Conclusions:
- DNA-based therapies represent a promising novel strategy for asthma management.
- These approaches have the potential to modulate the immune response, shifting the balance from Th2 towards Th1.
- Future applications may lead to long-lasting therapeutic effects, improved symptom control, and reduced reliance on conventional asthma medications.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms: