Intractable 'Neutrophilic Asthma', Presenting Customized Treatment Strategies
Oct 27, 2024
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The findings were published in the latest issue of the international journal 『Nature Communications』 (IF 14.7).
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes difficulty in breathing, and it is a disease that narrows the airways or makes it difficult for air to reach the lungs due to swelling. Inhalation and systemic steroids are used to treat it, and one of the refractory asthma that is insignificant even with high doses of steroids is 'neutrophilic asthma'.
The etiology of neutrophilic asthma is exacerbated by the excessive activity of neutrophils. Although IL-23 cytokines and the signaling pathway of Th17 inflammatory cells are known to be key factors in the pathogenesis, the exact cause is still unknown.
Through the mouse disease model and single-cell RNAseq analysis, the research team discovered for the first time an immune cell group (CD39+CD9+ macrophage) that inhibits the induction of hyperinflammation by IL-23/TH17.
In mice suffering from neutrophilic asthma, the level of CD39+CD9+ macrophages was less than 1%, but it increased to 5% when antibodies that inhibited the activity of IL-23 were injected. In addition, the proportion of neutrophils in the bronchial tubes decreased by 90% and Th17 cells decreased by 80%.
Subsequently, when CD39+CD9+ macrophages were injected, the neutrophil ratio decreased by 62% and Th17 cells decreased by 63%, respectively. This reduction in numbers means that the specific immune cell population found by the team relieves neutrophilic asthma.
Professor Yoo Ji-hwan "This study plays an important role in understanding the overall mechanisms of neutrophilic asthma, such as its cause and treatment"We expect IL-23 activity inhibitors and specific cell populations (CD39+CD9+ macrophages) to help treat patients with intractable asthma, including neutrophilic asthma.
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bellho@sportschosun.com
