Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
ADAM8: a new therapeutic target for asthma
Martin D Knolle1, Caroline A Owen
1Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 905 Thorn Building, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|April 29, 2009
Summary
The proteinase ADAM8 (a disintegrin and a metalloproteinase domain-8) is elevated in asthma. While it appears to reduce airway inflammation in mice, further research is needed to confirm its potential as an asthma therapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The proteinase ADAM8 (a disintegrin and a metalloproteinase domain-8) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma.
- Understanding the role of ADAM8 in the airways is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ADAM8 as a potential therapeutic target for asthma.
- To explore the function and expression of ADAM8 in the context of allergic airway inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ADAM8 function, expression, and activity in human and murine models of allergic airway inflammation (AAI).
- Generation of hypotheses regarding ADAM8's contribution to asthma pathogenesis based on existing data.
Main Results:
- ADAM8 expression is upregulated in the airway epithelium and inflammatory cells of mice with AAI and human asthma patients.
- Murine models suggest that ADAM8 plays a role in dampening airway inflammation.
- The direct contribution of ADAM8 to airway structural remodeling in asthma remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- ADAM8 is present at elevated levels in asthma, with evidence suggesting it may reduce inflammation.
- Further investigation is required to validate ADAM8 as a viable therapeutic target for asthma treatment.
- Clarifying ADAM8's role in airway remodeling is essential for its potential clinical application.
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...
01:19Antiasthma 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:
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.
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
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...