Neuroimmune crosstalk in asthma: dual role of the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Neuroimmune crosstalk in asthma: dual role of the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR
Creators Name:	Nassenstein, C. and Kammertoens, T. and Veres, T.Z. and Uckert, W. and Spies, E. and Fuchs, B. and Krug, N. and Braun, A.
Abstract:	BACKGROUND: Neurotrophins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma because of their ability to induce airway inflammation and to promote hyperreactivity of sensory neurons, which reflects an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of airway hyperreactivity. Neurotrophins use a dual-receptor system consisting of Trk-receptor tyrosine kinases and the structurally unrelated p75NTR. Previous studies revealed an important role of p75NTR in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the precise mechanisms of neurotrophins in neuroimmune interaction, which can lead to both airway inflammation and sensory nerve hyperreactivity in vivo. METHODS: Mice selectively expressing p75NTR in immune cells or nerves, respectively, were generated. After sensitization and allergen provocation, hyperreactivity of sensory nerves was tested in response to capsaicin. Airway inflammation was analyzed on the basis of differential cell counts and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. RESULTS: Allergic mice selectively expressing p75NTR in immune cells showed normal inflammation but no sensory nerve hyperreactivity, whereas mice selectively expressing p75NTR in nerve cells had a diminished inflammation and a distinct sensory nerve hyperreactivity. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that p75NTR plays a dual role by promoting hyperreactivity of sensory nerves and airway inflammation. Additionally, our study provides experimental evidence that development of sensory nerve hyperreactivity depends on an established airway inflammation in asthma. In contrast, development of airway inflammation seems to be independent from sensory nerve hyperreactivity. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Because of its dual function, antagonization of p75NTR-mediated signals might be a novel approach in asthma therapy.
Keywords:	Neuroimmune Interaction, Airway Hyperreactivity, Airway Inflammation, Sensory Nerves, Neurotrophin Receptors, p75NTR, Capsaicin, Asthma, Bone Marrow Chimeras, Neurotrophins, Animals, Mice
Source:	Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
ISSN:	0091-6749
Publisher:	Elsevier
Volume:	120
Number:	5
Page Range:	1089-1096
Date:	November 2007
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2007.07.007
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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