IL-13 receptor α2 contributes to development of experimental allergic asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

IL-13 receptor α2 (IL-13Rα2) binds IL-13 with high affinity and modulates IL-13 responses. There are soluble and membrane forms of IL-13Rα2 generated by alternative splicing in mice, but human subjects express only the membrane form of IL-13Rα2 (memIL-13Rα2).

Objective

We determined the role of memIL-13Rα2 in the development of allergic inflammation in mouse models of asthma.

Methods

IL-13Rα2-deficient and memIL-13Rα2 lung epithelium-specific transgenic mice were challenged with house dust mite (HDM). Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and inflammation were assessed based on the airway pressure-time index, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell counts, and lung histology. Mucus production was determined by means of periodic acid-Schiff staining of lung sections, W

SUBMITTER: Chen W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3836839 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature