Table 2

Inflammatory events in asthma: Role of Cytokine-IgE Axis and Inflammatory Cells

Event
Cell types involved
Mediators
Cell type affected
Net effect

Inflammation
Antigen-presenting cell
CSM
T cells, B cells
T cell activation Antibody synthesis


TNF alpha
Endothelium
Cell adhesion, recruitment

Mast cells
IL-4
T cells
Th2 cell polarization


IL-4, IL-13
B cells
IgE class switching


IL-13
Goblet cell
Mucus secretion CAM


TNF-alpha
Endothelium
upregulation


LTs
Smooth muscles
Contraction


LTs, IL-5
Eosinophils
Chemoattraction, survival


Histamine
Endothelium etc
Edema, bronchospasm

T cells
IL-4, IL-13
B cells
IgE class switching


IL-5
Eosinophils
Hematopoiesis, survival


IL-9
Mast cells
BHR, mast cell growth

B cells
IgE
Mast cells,
basophil
Early phase
response
Mediator release

Eosinophil
MBP
Epithelium, mast cells
Injury, histamine release


LTs
Smooth muscle
Contraction


Cytokines
Multiple types
Inflammation

CSM = Costimulatory molecule; LTs = leukotrienes; MBP = Major Basic Protein of Eosinophil; BHR = Bronchial hyperresponsiveness

Miller et al. Clinical and Molecular Allergy 2008 6:4   doi:10.1186/1476-7961-6-4