Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Analysis of Pulmonary Dendritic Cell Maturation and Migration during Allergic Airway Inflammation
Published on: July 23, 2012
Inhibition of allergic bronchial asthma by thrombomodulin is mediated by dendritic cells
Takehiro Takagi1, Osamu Taguchi, Masaaki Toda
1Department of Immunology, Mie University School of Medicine, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture 514 8507, Japan.
Rationale:
bronchial asthma is caused by inappropriate acquired immune responses to environmental allergens. It is a major health problem, with a prevalence that is rapidly increasing. Curative therapy is not currently available.
Objectives:
to test the hypothesis that thrombomodulin (TM) inhibits allergic bronchial asthma by inducing tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs).
Methods:
the protective effect of TM was evaluated using a murine asthma model. Asthma was induced in mice by exposure to chicken egg ovalbumin, and the effects of inhaled TM or TM-treated DCs were assessed by administering before ovalbumin exposure.
Measurements And Main Results:
treatment with TM protects against bronchial asthma measured as improved lung function and reduced IgE and cells in alveolar lavage fluid by inducing tolerogenic dendritic dells. These are characterized by high expression of surface TM (CD141/TM(+)) and low expression of maturation markers and possess reduced T-cell costimulatory activity. The CD141/TM(+) DCs migrate less toward chemokines, and after TM treatment there are fewer DCs in the draining lymph node and more in the lungs. The TM effect is independent of its role in coagulation. Rather, it is mediated via the TM lectin domain directly interacting with the DCs.
Conclusions:
the results of this study show that TM is a modulator of DC immunostimulatory properties and a novel candidate drug for the prevention of bronchial asthma in atopic patients.
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
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...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
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.
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Asthma I: Introduction
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:
