A new study conducted by scientists at King’s College London has identified a novel cause of asthma, offering hope for the development of preventive treatments for this life-threatening disease. Unlike previous approaches that focused on the inflammatory nature of asthma, this study demonstrates that the mechanical constriction of airways during an asthma attack leads to various detrimental effects, including inflammation, mucus secretion, and damage to the airway barrier that can increase the risk of infections.
The researchers, led by Professor Jody Rosenblatt, found that blocking the process that causes epithelial cell death, triggered by airway constriction, could potentially prevent the damage and inflammation associated with asthma attacks. By understanding this fundamental mechanism, the scientists believe they are now in a better position to develop interventions that can target the root cause of asthma symptoms.
Currently, asthma affects around 5.4 million people in the UK, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. While existing medications focus on managing asthma symptoms by opening airways, reducing inflammation, and thinning mucus, they do not address the underlying causes of the disease. The discovery of cell extrusion as a key process contributing to asthma exacerbation offers a new avenue for potential treatments.
The study revealed that when airways contract during an asthma attack, epithelial cells lining the airways are squeezed out, leading to subsequent cell death and damage to the airway barrier. This damage triggers inflammation and excessive mucus production, making breathing difficult for asthma patients. By blocking this extrusion process using a compound called gadolinium, the researchers were able to prevent airway damage, inflammation, and mucus secretion in mouse models.
The research team, including Professor Chris Brightling from the University of Leicester, emphasized the importance of understanding the role of epithelial extrusion in driving key features of asthma. By targeting this process, it is hoped that new therapies can be developed to improve asthma control and reduce the risk of asthma attacks. Dr. Samantha Walker from Asthma + Lung UK also highlighted the urgent need for new treatment options for asthma, as current medications may not be effective for everyone.
Furthermore, the discovery of cell extrusion as a mechanism underlying inflammatory diseases characterized by constriction, such as inflammatory bowel disease, suggests that this research could have broader implications beyond asthma. The study, supported by funding from Wellcome, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the American Asthma Foundation, opens up new avenues for exploring potential treatment options for a range of conditions that involve airway constriction and inflammation.
