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Galectin-9 modulates the Th1/Th2 balance to improve bronchial asthma
Bin Wu1, Yu Wang1, Danhong Li1
1Department of Respiratory, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.
Summary
Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is elevated in bronchial asthma (BA), promoting a Th2 imbalance. Inhibiting Gal-9 restores Th1/Th2 balance and reduces inflammation, indicating its potential as an asthma therapy target.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Bronchial asthma (BA) is a complex inflammatory disease.
- Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is implicated in inflammatory and immunomodulatory processes.
- Both BA and Gal-9 are linked to the Th1/Th2 helper T cell balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of Gal-9 in ameliorating BA.
- To determine if Gal-9 modulates the Th1/Th2 balance in asthma.
Main Methods:
- Rat models of BA were established with varying airway challenge levels.
- Adenovirus vectors were used to silence Gal-9 expression (sh-Gal-9) and overexpress IL-4 (oe-IL-4).
- Lung tissue damage, inflammatory markers, and Th1/Th2 cell ratios were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Gal-9 expression was significantly higher in BA models, correlating with a Th2-biased Th1/Th2 imbalance.
- Increased airway challenge exacerbated Gal-9 levels and Th2 bias.
- sh-Gal-9 treatment reversed these effects, restoring a Th1-dominant balance, while oe-IL-4 counteracted this.
Conclusions:
- Gal-9 inhibition effectively restores Th1/Th2 balance in BA models.
- Reducing Gal-9 levels decreases inflammation in bronchial asthma.
- Gal-9 represents a promising therapeutic target for asthma treatment.
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