Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Methods to Evaluate Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppression of Combustible Tobacco Product Preparations
Published on: January 10, 2015
Cigarette smoke extract induces thymic stromal lymphopoietin expression, leading to T(H)2-type immune responses and
Yuki Nakamura1, Masanori Miyata, Tetsuro Ohba
1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.
Background:
Both active and passive smoking are considered to be risk factors for asthma development. However, the precise mechanisms involved remain elusive. Recently, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) has been shown to play a key role in the development of T(H)2-type allergic inflammation in patients with asthma.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a causal relationship between cigarette smoke exposure and TSLP expression in the lung.
Methods:
We examined the effects of repeated intranasal exposure of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on TSLP mRNA and protein expression in the mouse lung by means of real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. We also examined the effects of intranasal exposure of CSE plus ovalbumin (OVA) on T(H)2-type immune responses and lung pathology.
Results:
Repeated exposure of CSE induced TSLP mRNA and protein expression, which was inhibited by treatment with antioxidative N-acetylcysteine and by TNF-alpha receptor I deficiency. In addition, the intranasal exposure of CSE simultaneously with OVA induced OVA-specific T(H)2-type immune responses and airway inflammation, which were inhibited by the blockade of the TSLP activity.
Conclusion:
CSE induced TSLP expression in the mouse lung in an oxidative stress-dependent and TNF-alpha receptor I-dependent manner, and when challenged simultaneously with an antigen, CSE promoted the development of airway inflammation in association with T(H)2-type immune responses.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Asthma I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

