Abstract
T lymphocyte apoptosis is essential for maintaining immune system homeostasis. Experimental evidence suggests apoptosis control mechanisms may be impaired in inflammatory conditions, particularly airway Th2-type allergic diseases. This review briefly examines the mucosal immune system homeostasis and common apoptotic pathways and discusses impaired apoptosis, allergy, airway inflammation, remodelling and fibrosis. Finally, the paper presents an update on pharmacological targeting of apoptosis to control airway inflammation in patients with allergic asthma.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anti-Asthmatic Agents / therapeutic use
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Apoptosis / drug effects
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Apoptosis / immunology
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Asthma / drug therapy*
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Asthma / immunology
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Asthma / physiopathology*
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Bronchial Hyperreactivity / drug therapy*
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Bronchial Hyperreactivity / immunology
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Bronchial Hyperreactivity / physiopathology*
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Cytokines / metabolism
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Fibrosis / drug therapy
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Fibrosis / physiopathology
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Humans
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Immunoglobulins / biosynthesis
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Immunoglobulins / therapeutic use
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Immunotherapy
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Th1 Cells / drug effects
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Th1 Cells / immunology
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Th2 Cells / drug effects
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Th2 Cells / immunology
Substances
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Anti-Asthmatic Agents
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Cytokines
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Immunoglobulins