Eotaxin and the attraction of eosinophils to the asthmatic lung

• Main Authors: Williams Timothy J, Conroy Dolores M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2001-03-01
• Series: Respiratory Research
• Subjects: allergy; asthma; chemokines; eosinophils; eotaxin
• Online Access: http://respiratory-research.com/content/2/3/150

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Eosinophilic leukocytes accumulate in high numbers in the lungs of asthmatic patients, and are believed to be important in the pathogenisis of asthma. A potent eosinophil chemoattractant is produced in the asthmatic lung. This small protein, the chemokine eotaxin, is synthesized by a number of different cell types, and is stimulated by interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, which are produced by T-helper (Th)2 lymphocytes. Low molecular weight compounds have been developed that can block the eotaxin receptor C-C chemokine receptor (CCR)3, and prevent stimulation by eotaxin. This provides the potential for orally available drugs that can prevent eosinophil recruitment into the lung and the associated damage and dysfunction.</p>