Smooth muscle brain‐derived neurotrophic factor contributes to airway hyperreactivity in a mouse model of allergic asthma

What is it about?

Allergic asthma is a major healthcare problem, making it critical to understand the mechanisms involved in asthma pathogenesis. There is increasing recognition that growth factors that promote inflammation, bronchoconstriction and fibrosis (major aspects of asthma) can be locally produced within the lung. In this study, we explored the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and show that this molecule is produced by and acts on the muscle within the airways of asthmatic mouse lungs, and enhances features of asthma. The importance of our work lies in identifying an entirely novel potential target for asthma.

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