LIGHT - LTßR Signaling is Essential for Airway Smooth Muscle Remodeling and Asthmatic Airway Hyperresponsiveness

Abstract

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and dysregulation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASM) is central to the severity of asthma. However which molecules control ASM in asthmatics is still largely unclear. High levels of the cytokine TNFSF14/LIGHT have been linked to asthma severity and lower baseline FEV1 %predicted, implying signals through either of its receptors, LTbR and HVEM, could directly control ASM dysfunction. We aimed to determine whether signaling via LTbR or HVEM from LIGHT controls ASM hyperreactivity.