CCL17/thymus and activation-regulated chemokine induces calcitonin gene-related peptide in human airway epithelial cells through CCR4.

Background: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent arterial and venous vasodilator. Increased airway epithelial cell expression of CGRP, together with increased CCL17 expression, was previously observed in a model of provoked asthma in atopic human subjects.

Objective: We sought to determine whether CCL17 induces CCR4-dependent CGRP synthesis and secretion by human airway epithelial cells.

Expression of functional receptor activity modifying protein 1 by airway epithelial cells with dysregulation in asthma.

Background: Epithelial cell expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a feature of provoked asthma. Receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) and the calcitonin receptor-like receptor combine to form the CGRP1 receptor.

Objective: To determine whether functional RAMP1 is expressed by airway epithelial cells and whether there are alterations in asthma.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the CCR3 gene ablates receptor export to the plasma membrane.

Background: The chemokine receptor CCR3 orchestrates the migration of eosinophils, basophils, T(H)2 lymphocytes, and mast cells during the allergic response, with CCR3 blockade a potential means of therapeutic intervention. Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the ccr3 gene have previously been described, with little information regarding their effects on CCR3 function.

Objective: To characterize the effects of nonsynonymous SNPs within the ccr3 gene.