Alveolar macrophages are sentinels of murine pulmonary homeostasis following inhaled antigen challenge.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alveolar macrophages are sentinels of the pulmonary mucosa and central to maintaining immunological homeostasis. However, their role in governing the response to allergen is not fully understood. Inappropriate responses to the inhaled environment manifest as asthma.

Methods

We utilized a mechanistic IL-13-driven model and a house dust mite allergen mucosal sensitization model of allergic airway disease to investigate the role of alveolar macrophages in regulating pulmonary inflammation.

Results

IL-13-dependent eosinophilic and Th2 inflammation was enhanced in mice depleted of alveolar macrophages using clodronate liposomes. Similarly, depletion of alveolar macrophages during house dust mite sensitization or established disease resulted in augmented Th2 immu

SUBMITTER: Mathie SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4283732 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature