Complete dependence on CD4+ cells in late asthmatic response, but limited contribution of the cells to airway remodeling in sensitized mice

J Pharmacol Sci. 2011;116(4):373-83. doi: 10.1254/jphs.11083fp. Epub 2011 Jul 21.

Abstract

It is known that the late asthmatic response (LAR), a characteristic feature of asthma, is closely associated with CD4+ Th2 cell-mediated allergic inflammation. Airway remodeling is also a pathogenesis of asthma, but literature reporting roles of CD4+ cells in the remodeling is controversial. There has been no study that simultaneously assessed the roles of CD4+ cells in both LAR and airway remodeling. Sensitized mice were intratracheally challenged with ovalbumin 4 times. Treatment with an anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) before the 1st challenge almost completely abolished increase in CD4+ cells in the tissues after the 4th challenge. The late phase increase in airway resistance after the 4th challenge was also completely inhibited by anti-CD4 mAb. Parameters of airway remodeling, subepithelial fibrosis and epithelial thickening were attenuated by treatment, whereas the inhibition was only 30% - 40%. Bronchial smooth muscle thickening was not affected. Because interleukin (IL)-5 production as well as eosinophilia was effectively suppressed by anti-CD4 mAb, the effect of anti-IL-5 mAb was also examined, resulting in no inhibition of airway remodeling. Collectively, although the LAR was completely dependent on CD4+ cell activation, airway remodeling was only partially dependent on the cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Airway Remodeling / immunology*
  • Airway Resistance / immunology
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Asthma / immunology*
  • Asthma / pathology
  • Bronchi / pathology
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / immunology
  • Bronchial Hyperreactivity / pathology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Dexamethasone / pharmacology
  • Eosinophilia / immunology
  • Eosinophilia / pathology
  • Epithelial Cells / immunology
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Fibrosis / immunology
  • Fibrosis / pathology
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Interleukin-5 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-5 / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Muscle, Smooth / immunology
  • Muscle, Smooth / pathology
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Interleukin-5
  • Dexamethasone
  • Ovalbumin