IL-9 governs allergen-induced mast cell numbers in the lung and chronic remodeling of the airways.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

IL-9 is a pleiotropic cytokine that has multiple effects on structural as well as numerous hematopoietic cells, which are central to the pathogenesis of asthma.

Objectives

The contribution of IL-9 to asthma pathogenesis has thus far been unclear, due to conflicting reports in the literature. These earlier studies focused on the role of IL-9 in acute inflammatory models; here we have investigated the effects of IL-9 blockade during chronic allergic inflammation.

Methods

Mice were exposed to either prolonged ovalbumin or house dust mite allergen challenge to induce chronic inflammation and airway remodeling.

Measurements and main results

We found that IL-9 governs allergen-induced mast cell (MC) numbers in the lung and has pronounced effects on chronic

SUBMITTER: Kearley J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3385369 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature