Adhesion molecules in a primate model of allergic asthma: clinical implications for respiratory care.

Abstract

Prompted by the realization of the importance of chronic airway inflammation in allergic asthma, recent interest has focused on defining the role of adhesion glycoproteins in the development of airway inflammation and subsequent changes in airway function. Many studies in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated an increased expression of certain adhesion molecules on vascular endothelium, airway epithelium and circulating leukocytes associated with the inflammatory response to allergen. Studies with animal models of allergic asthma have shown the effectiveness of antagonists of adhesion molecules in blocking the development of airway inflammation and changes in airways function. These studies suggest that inhibitors of cellular adhesion molecules may represent a novel form of treatment directed specifically at the chronic airway inflammation characteristic of bronchial asthma.