TH17 CELLS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF ALLERGIC ASTHMA

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. It is heterogeneous disease, where many factors play a role, including genetic predisposition, life style and environment. The significance of T helper type 2 cells, their cytokines and eosinophils in allergic asthma development is evidence based. Therefore, this mechanism is not always sufficient to justify differences of inflammation and clinical symptoms of this disease. The latest data sugests that other leukocyte sub-populations may have major impact on allergen-induced airway inflammation, late (defined as dual) asthmatic reaction and persistent airway inflammation. Recently, the animal model studies showed important role of T helper type 17 cells, their cytokines and neutrophils in the development of allergic airway inflammation. Elevated levels of neutrophils have been found in the lungs of asthmatics at different steps of the development of the disease. This article analyzes the features of airway and systemic inflammation and highlights the role of T helper type 17 cells and neutrophils in pathogenesis of allergic asthma.