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[Asthma and complement]
O Michel1, R Sergysels, J Duchateau
1Département des voies respiratoires, Hôpital Universitaire Saint-Pierre, Bruxelles, Belgique.
Insights
The complement system, crucial for inflammation, may play a role in asthma development. Recent studies suggest re-evaluating its local effects in the bronchi for asthma insights.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Inflammation Research
- Respiratory Medicine
Context:
- The complement system is integral to inflammatory responses, activated via classical or alternative pathways.
- Complement activation releases factors influencing inflammation, including opsonins and mediators.
- Its presence in bronchi suggests a potential role in bronchial inflammation linked to asthma.
Purpose:
- To explore the potential role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of asthma.
- To re-evaluate complement's involvement in asthma based on broncho-alveolar lavage findings.
Summary:
- While plasma complement activation shows no correlation with bronchomotor tone in asthmatics, local complement activity in the bronchi warrants further investigation.
- The classical pathway is activated by immune complexes and C-reactive protein (CRP), while the alternative pathway is triggered by bacterial endotoxins and allergens.
- Complement activation leads to the release of potent inflammatory mediators.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for further research into local complement pathways in asthma.
- Suggests potential therapeutic targets within the complement system for asthma management.
- Emphasizes the importance of broncho-alveolar lavage studies for understanding localized inflammatory processes in respiratory diseases.
Abstract:
The complement system has an important place in the development of the inflammatory reaction. The complement may be activated by the classical pathway (itself activated by immune complexes, CRP etc.) or the alternative pathway (activated by bacterial endotoxins, different lung allergens etc.). This activation culminates in the release of opsonising, chemotactic, smooth muscle constrictor, and mast cell activating factors. The complement system is present locally at the level of the bronchi and could participate in the development of bronchial inflammation narrowly associated with asthma. Study of the complement system in the plasma in asthmatics has not shown a relation between its state of activation and bronchomotor tone. However, in view of recent studies of the complement in the bronchi, analysed on broncho-alveolar lavage, the potential role of complement in asthma should be re-evaluated.