Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous structures, which are secreted by almost every cell type analyzed so far. In addition to their importance for cell-cell communication under physiological conditions, EVs are also released during pathogenesis and mechanistically contribute to this process. Here we summarize their functional relevance in asthma, one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases. Asthma is a complex persistent inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and, from a long-term perspective, airway remodeling. Overall, mechanistic studies summarized here indicate the importance of different subtypes of EVs and their variable cargoes in the functioning of the pathways underlying asthma, and show some interesting potential for the development of future therapeutic interventions. Association studies in turn demonstrate a good diagnostic potential of EVs in asthma.
Highlights
Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are inflammatory conditions, which are not caused by infectious agents
Repeated intranasal application of indoor dust obtained from bed mattresses or Extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from that dust led in mice to the development of neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation accompanied by lung infiltration of both Th1 and Th17 cells, the changes mimicking a typical picture of neutrophilic asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in human [128]
The studies presented in this review, whatever their nature, i.e., in vitro, in vivo on animals, in human studies, etc., clearly demonstrate the existence of EV communication between cells known as the crucial players in asthma pathology and, they strongly suggest an importance of EV-mediated communication mechanisms for the pathobiology of the disease
Summary
Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are inflammatory conditions, which are not caused by infectious agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses, parasites). The burden of NCDs is high in western countries and still rising, in particular in less developed areas [3,4,5,6]. One of the major reasons behind this is the heterogeneity of asthma, with a complex etiology and multiple clinical representations, requiring the development of stratified diagnosis and treatment strategies [7,8,9,10]. These can only be achieved on the basis of novel cellular and molecular insights based on innovative methods. We summarize the current knowledge on extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated cell-cell communication obtained in the context of pathobiology and clinical pathology of asthma
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