Regulation of GATA-3, c-maf and T-bet mRNA expression in bronchoalveolar lavage cells and bronchial biopsies after segmental allergen challenge.

Background: GATA-3 (GATA binding protein 3) and the proto-oncogene c-maf are Th2-regulating transcription factors that control the expression of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5, while T-bet (T-box expressed in T cells) is a Th1-specific transcription factor that controls the expression of interferon (IFN-gamma). Allergen provocation in asthmatics induces a Th2-dominated cytokine profile, but so far it is unknown whether the skewed cytokine expression is reflected by the expression of the respective transcriptional regulators.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the regulation of Th1- and Th2-specific transcription factors and cytokines in 10 atopic subjects with mild asthma and 5 nonatopic healthy controls at baseline and after segmental sham and allergen challenge.

Natural porcine surfactant augments airway inflammation after allergen challenge in patients with asthma.

There is increasing evidence for a role of pulmonary surfactant in asthma and allergic inflammation. In murine asthma models, recent studies have demonstrated that surfactant components downregulate the allergic inflammation. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that in individuals with mild asthma, a natural porcine surfactant preparation (Curosurf) given before segmental allergen challenge can reduce the allergic airway inflammation.

Segmental allergen challenge in patients with atopic asthma leads to increased IL-9 expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid lymphocytes.

Background: IL-9 is a T(H)2 cell-derived cytokine that might be involved in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases. Little is known about its expression and release during the allergic response in the human lung.

Objective: The expression of IL-9 was measured in 10 atopic subjects with mild asthma and 5 nonatopic healthy control subjects at baseline and 24 hours after segmental sham and allergen challenge.