Pathogenesis of asthma: implications for precision medicine

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Immunology
• Genetics

Background:

• Asthma presents with diverse underlying disease processes despite similar clinical symptoms.
• Patient responses to current asthma therapies vary significantly, suggesting differing pathogenic mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the current understanding of asthma pathogenesis.
• To explore key factors contributing to asthma development and progression.
• To link detailed pathological insights to future targeted treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of current research on asthma pathogenesis.
• Discussion of key factors including T2-high and T2-low airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and airway remodeling.
• Consideration of genetic and comorbidity influences.

Main Results:

• Identified airway inflammation (T2^HIGH and T2^LOW), AHR, and airway remodeling as central to asthma pathogenesis.
• Highlighted the role of genetics and comorbidities as additional contributing factors.
• Emphasized the heterogeneity of asthma based on underlying pathological pathways.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of asthma's complex pathogenesis is crucial for effective management.
• Inter-patient variability in disease mechanisms necessitates personalized treatment approaches.
• Future asthma therapies will likely be targeted towards specific pathological pathways for improved patient outcomes.