The effect of inhaled inactived Mycobacterium phlei as a treatment for asthma

Allergic asthma is a chronic airway disorder characterized by airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). A murine model of asthma was used to examine the antiasthmatic effect of inhaled inactived Mycobacterium phlei (M. phlei). AHR, neutrophil levels, eosinophil levels and levels of interleukin (IL)‑17 and IL‑23 receptor (IL‑23R) were monitored. The results demonstrated that inactivated M. phlei alleviates the IL‑17+γδT cell‑mediated immune response and attenuates airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in the asthmatic murine lung, partially through inhibiting the expression of IL‑23R. In conclusion, inactivated M. phlei may be an effective antiasthmatic treatment, regulating IL‑17‑producing γδT (IL‑17+γδT) cell‑mediated airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness to relieve the symptoms of mice with asthma.