1
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Pelaia C, Melhorn J, Hinks TS, Couillard S, Vatrella A, Pelaia G, Pavord ID. Type 2 severe asthma: pathophysiology and treatment with biologics. Expert Rev Respir Med 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38994712 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2024.2380072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The hallmark of most patients with severe asthma is type 2 inflammation, driven by innate and adaptive immune responses leading to either allergic or non-allergic eosinophilic infiltration of airways. The cellular and molecular pathways underlying severe type 2 asthma can be successfully targeted by specific monoclonal antibodies. AREAS COVERED This review article provides a concise overview of the pathophysiology of type 2 asthma, followed by an updated appraisal of the mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy of currently available biologic treatments used for management of severe type 2 asthma. Therefore, all reported information arises from a wide literature search performed on PubMed. EXPERT OPINION The main result of the recent advances in the field of anti-asthma biologic therapies is the implementation of a personalized medicine approach, aimed to achieve clinical remission of severe asthma. Today this accomplishment is made possible by the right choice of the most beneficial biologic drug for the pathologic traits characterizing each patient, including type 2 severe asthma and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - James Melhorn
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Timothy Sc Hinks
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Couillard
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ian D Pavord
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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2
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Baglivo I, Quaranta VN, Dragonieri S, Colantuono S, Menzella F, Selvaggio D, Carpagnano GE, Caruso C. The New Paradigm: The Role of Proteins and Triggers in the Evolution of Allergic Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5747. [PMID: 38891935 PMCID: PMC11171572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial barrier damage plays a central role in the development and maintenance of allergic inflammation. Rises in the epithelial barrier permeability of airways alter tissue homeostasis and allow the penetration of allergens and other external agents. Different factors contribute to barrier impairment, such as eosinophilic infiltration and allergen protease action-eosinophilic cationic proteins' effects and allergens' proteolytic activity both contribute significantly to epithelial damage. In the airways, allergen proteases degrade the epithelial junctional proteins, allowing allergen penetration and its uptake by dendritic cells. This increase in allergen-immune system interaction induces the release of alarmins and the activation of type 2 inflammatory pathways, causing or worsening the main symptoms at the skin, bowel, and respiratory levels. We aim to highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying allergenic protease-induced epithelial barrier damage and the role of immune response in allergic asthma onset, maintenance, and progression. Moreover, we will explore potential clinical and radiological biomarkers of airway remodeling in allergic asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Baglivo
- Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente (CEMAD) Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Vitaliano Nicola Quaranta
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Section of Respiratory Disease, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy (S.D.)
| | - Silvano Dragonieri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Section of Respiratory Disease, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy (S.D.)
| | - Stefania Colantuono
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Day Hospital (UOSD DH) Medicina Interna e Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Menzella
- Pulmonology Unit, S. Valentino Hospital-AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - David Selvaggio
- UOS di Malattie dell’Apparato Respiratorio Ospedale Cristo Re, 00167 Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Section of Respiratory Disease, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy (S.D.)
| | - Cristiano Caruso
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Day Hospital (UOSD DH) Medicina Interna e Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
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3
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Varricchi G, Brightling CE, Grainge C, Lambrecht BN, Chanez P. Airway remodelling in asthma and the epithelium: on the edge of a new era. Eur Respir J 2024; 63:2301619. [PMID: 38609094 PMCID: PMC11024394 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01619-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic, heterogeneous disease of the airways, often characterised by structural changes known collectively as airway remodelling. In response to environmental insults, including pathogens, allergens and pollutants, the epithelium can initiate remodelling via an inflammatory cascade involving a variety of mediators that have downstream effects on both structural and immune cells. These mediators include the epithelial cytokines thymic stromal lymphopoietin, interleukin (IL)-33 and IL-25, which facilitate airway remodelling through cross-talk between epithelial cells and fibroblasts, and between mast cells and airway smooth muscle cells, as well as through signalling with immune cells such as macrophages. The epithelium can also initiate airway remodelling independently of inflammation in response to the mechanical stress present during bronchoconstriction. Furthermore, genetic and epigenetic alterations to epithelial components are believed to influence remodelling. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the roles of the epithelium and epithelial cytokines in driving airway remodelling, facilitated by developments in genetic sequencing and imaging techniques. We also explore how new and existing therapeutics that target the epithelium and epithelial cytokines could modify airway remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Varricchi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, WAO Center of Excellence, Naples, Italy
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy
- G. Varricchi and C.E. Brightling contributed equally
| | - Christopher E. Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- G. Varricchi and C.E. Brightling contributed equally
| | - Christopher Grainge
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Bart N. Lambrecht
- Center for Inflammation Research, Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pascal Chanez
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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4
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Russell RJ, Boulet LP, Brightling CE, Pavord ID, Porsbjerg C, Dorscheid D, Sverrild A. The airway epithelium: an orchestrator of inflammation, a key structural barrier and a therapeutic target in severe asthma. Eur Respir J 2024; 63:2301397. [PMID: 38453256 PMCID: PMC10991852 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01397-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Asthma is a disease of heterogeneous pathology, typically characterised by excessive inflammatory and bronchoconstrictor responses to the environment. The clinical expression of the disease is a consequence of the interaction between environmental factors and host factors over time, including genetic susceptibility, immune dysregulation and airway remodelling. As a critical interface between the host and the environment, the airway epithelium plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis in the face of environmental challenges. Disruption of epithelial integrity is a key factor contributing to multiple processes underlying asthma pathology. In this review, we first discuss the unmet need in asthma management and provide an overview of the structure and function of the airway epithelium. We then focus on key pathophysiological changes that occur in the airway epithelium, including epithelial barrier disruption, immune hyperreactivity, remodelling, mucus hypersecretion and mucus plugging, highlighting how these processes manifest clinically and how they might be targeted by current and novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Russell
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Christopher E Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ian D Pavord
- Respiratory Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Celeste Porsbjerg
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Del Dorscheid
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Asger Sverrild
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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5
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Venditto L, Morano S, Ferrante G, Piazza M, Tenero L, Piacentini G, Pecoraro L. The Evolution of Scientific Knowledge in Childhood Asthma over Time: A Surprising History. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:262. [PMID: 38397374 PMCID: PMC10887562 DOI: 10.3390/children11020262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Asthma is a disease that has been described since the times of Hammurabi. However, it is only since the 1960s that effective therapeutic strategies have been available. Pathogenic mechanisms underlying the disease have been deeply studied, contributing to creating a "patient-specific asthma" definition. Biological drugs have been approved over the last twenty years, improving disease management in patients with severe asthma via a "precision medicine-driven approach". This article aims to describe the evolution of scientific knowledge in childhood asthma, focusing on the most recent biological therapies and their indications for patients with severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giuliana Ferrante
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (L.V.); (S.M.); (M.P.)
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6
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Siora A, Vontetsianos A, Chynkiamis N, Anagnostopoulou C, Bartziokas K, Anagnostopoulos N, Rovina N, Bakakos P, Papaioannou AI. Small airways in asthma: From inflammation and pathophysiology to treatment response. Respir Med 2024; 222:107532. [PMID: 38228215 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Small airways are characterized as those with an inner diameter less than 2 mm and constitute a major site of pathology and inflammation in asthma disease. It is estimated that small airways dysfunction may occur before the emergence of noticeable symptoms, spirometric abnormalities and imaging findings, thus characterizing them as "the quiet or silent zone" of the lungs. Despite their importance, measuring and quantifying small airways dysfunction presents a considerable challenge due to their inaccessibility in usual functional measurements, primarily due to their size and peripheral localization. Several pulmonary function tests have been proposed for the assessment of the small airways, including impulse oscillometry, nitrogen washout, body plethysmography, as well as imaging methods. Nevertheless, none of these methods has been established as the definitive "gold standard," thus, a combination of them should be used for an effective assessment of the small airways. Widely used asthma treatments seem to also affect several parameters of the small airways. Emerging biologic treatments show promising results in reducing small airways inflammation and remodelling, providing evidence for potential alterations in the disease's progression and outcomes. These novel therapies have implications not only in the clinical aspects of asthma but also in its inflammatory and functional aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Siora
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Angelos Vontetsianos
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Chynkiamis
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Anagnostopoulou
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nektarios Anagnostopoulos
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikoletta Rovina
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Bakakos
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Andriana I Papaioannou
- 1st Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece
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7
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Jesenak M, Durdik P, Oppova D, Franova S, Diamant Z, Golebski K, Banovcin P, Vojtkova J, Novakova E. Dysfunctional mucociliary clearance in asthma and airway remodeling - New insights into an old topic. Respir Med 2023; 218:107372. [PMID: 37516275 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous respiratory condition characterized by chronic airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness and airway structural changes (known as remodeling). The clinical symptoms can be evoked by (non)specific triggers, and their intensity varies over time. In the past, treatment was mainly focusing on symptoms' alleviation; in contrast modern treatment strategies target the underlying inflammation, even during asymptomatic periods. Components of airway remodeling include epithelial cell shedding and dysfunction, goblet cell hyperplasia, subepithelial matrix protein deposition, fibrosis, neoangiogenesis, airway smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Among the other important, and frequently forgotten aspects of airway remodeling, also loss of epithelial barrier integrity, immune defects in anti-infectious defence and mucociliary clearance (MCC) dysfunction should be pointed out. Mucociliary clearance represents one of the most important defence airway mechanisms. Several studies in asthmatics demonstrated various dysfunctions in MCC - e.g., ciliated cells displaying intracellular disorientation, abnormal cilia and cytoplasmic blebs. Moreover, excessive mucus production and persistent cough are one of the well-recognized features of severe asthma and are also associated with defects in MCC. Damaged airway epithelium and impaired function of the ciliary cells leads to MCC dysfunction resulting in higher susceptibility to infection and inflammation. Therefore, new strategies aimed on restoring the remodeling changes and MCC dysfunction could present a new therapeutic approach for the management of asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milos Jesenak
- Department of Pediatrics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Teaching Hospital in Martin, Martin, Slovakia; Department of Pulmonology and Phthisiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Teaching Hospital in Martin, Martin, Slovakia; Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Teaching Hospital in Martin, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Peter Durdik
- Department of Pediatrics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Teaching Hospital in Martin, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Dasa Oppova
- Department of Pediatrics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Teaching Hospital in Martin, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Sona Franova
- Department of Pharmacology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Diamant
- Department of Microbiology Immunology & Transplantation, KU Leuven, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium; Department of Respiratory Medicine & Allergology, Institute for Clinical Science, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University in Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Kornel Golebski
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Banovcin
- Department of Pediatrics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Teaching Hospital in Martin, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Jarmila Vojtkova
- Department of Pediatrics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Teaching Hospital in Martin, Martin, Slovakia.
| | - Elena Novakova
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia.
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8
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Hsieh A, Assadinia N, Hackett TL. Airway remodeling heterogeneity in asthma and its relationship to disease outcomes. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1113100. [PMID: 36744026 PMCID: PMC9892557 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1113100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma affects an estimated 262 million people worldwide and caused over 461,000 deaths in 2019. The disease is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, reversible bronchoconstriction, and airway remodeling. Longitudinal studies have shown that current treatments for asthma (inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids) can reduce the frequency of exacerbations, but do not modify disease outcomes over time. Further, longitudinal studies in children to adulthood have shown that these treatments do not improve asthma severity or fixed airflow obstruction over time. In asthma, fixed airflow obstruction is caused by remodeling of the airway wall, but such airway remodeling also significantly contributes to airway closure during bronchoconstriction in acute asthmatic episodes. The goal of the current review is to understand what is known about the heterogeneity of airway remodeling in asthma and how this contributes to the disease process. We provide an overview of the existing knowledge on airway remodeling features observed in asthma, including loss of epithelial integrity, mucous cell metaplasia, extracellular matrix remodeling in both the airways and vessels, angiogenesis, and increased smooth muscle mass. While such studies have provided extensive knowledge on different aspects of airway remodeling, they have relied on biopsy sampling or pathological assessment of lungs from fatal asthma patients, which have limitations for understanding airway heterogeneity and the entire asthma syndrome. To further understand the heterogeneity of airway remodeling in asthma, we highlight the potential of in vivo imaging tools such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Such volumetric imaging tools provide the opportunity to assess the heterogeneity of airway remodeling within the whole lung and have led to the novel identification of heterogenous gas trapping and mucus plugging as important predictors of patient outcomes. Lastly, we summarize the current knowledge of modification of airway remodeling with available asthma therapeutics to highlight the need for future studies that use in vivo imaging tools to assess airway remodeling outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Hsieh
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Najmeh Assadinia
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tillie-Louise Hackett
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,*Correspondence: Tillie-Louise Hackett,
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9
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Varricchi G, Ferri S, Pepys J, Poto R, Spadaro G, Nappi E, Paoletti G, Virchow JC, Heffler E, Canonica WG. Biologics and airway remodeling in severe asthma. Allergy 2022; 77:3538-3552. [PMID: 35950646 PMCID: PMC10087445 DOI: 10.1111/all.15473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease resulting in airflow obstruction, which in part can become irreversible to conventional therapies, defining the concept of airway remodeling. The introduction of biologics in severe asthma has led in some patients to the complete normalization of previously considered irreversible airflow obstruction. This highlights the need to distinguish a "fixed" airflow obstruction due to structural changes unresponsive to current therapies, from a "reversible" one as demonstrated by lung function normalization during biological therapies not previously obtained even with high-dose systemic glucocorticoids. The mechanisms by which exposure to environmental factors initiates the inflammatory responses that trigger airway remodeling are still incompletely understood. Alarmins represent epithelial-derived cytokines that initiate immunologic events leading to inflammatory airway remodeling. Biological therapies can improve airflow obstruction by addressing these airway inflammatory changes. In addition, biologics might prevent and possibly even revert "fixed" remodeling due to structural changes. Hence, it appears clinically important to separate the therapeutic effects (early and late) of biologics as a new paradigm to evaluate the effects of these drugs and future treatments on airway remodeling in severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Varricchi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Sebastian Ferri
- Personalized Medicine Asthma and Allergy Unit - IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Jack Pepys
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Remo Poto
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spadaro
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,World Allergy Organization (WAO) Center of Excellence, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nappi
- Personalized Medicine Asthma and Allergy Unit - IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paoletti
- Personalized Medicine Asthma and Allergy Unit - IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine Asthma and Allergy Unit - IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Walter G Canonica
- Personalized Medicine Asthma and Allergy Unit - IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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10
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Novel Lung Growth Strategy with Biological Therapy Targeting Airway Remodeling in Childhood Bronchial Asthma. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081253. [PMID: 36010143 PMCID: PMC9406359 DOI: 10.3390/children9081253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Anti-inflammatory therapy, centered on inhaled steroids, suppresses airway inflammation in asthma, reduces asthma mortality and hospitalization rates, and achieves clinical remission in many pediatric patients. However, the spontaneous remission rate of childhood asthma in adulthood is not high, and airway inflammation and airway remodeling persist after remission of asthma symptoms. Childhood asthma impairs normal lung maturation, interferes with peak lung function in adolescence, reduces lung function in adulthood, and increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Early suppression of airway inflammation in childhood and prevention of asthma exacerbations may improve lung maturation, leading to good lung function and prevention of adult COPD. Biological drugs that target T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokines are used in patients with severe pediatric asthma to reduce exacerbations and airway inflammation and improve respiratory function. They may also suppress airway remodeling in childhood and prevent respiratory deterioration in adulthood, reducing the risk of COPD and improving long-term prognosis. No studies have demonstrated a suppressive effect on airway remodeling in childhood severe asthma, and further clinical trials using airway imaging analysis are needed to ascertain the inhibitory effect of biological drugs on airway remodeling in severe childhood asthma. In this review, we describe the natural prognosis of lung function in childhood asthma and the risk of developing adult COPD, the pathophysiology of allergic airway inflammation and airway remodeling via Th2 cytokines, and the inhibitory effect of biological drugs on airway remodeling in childhood asthma.
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11
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Noureddine N, Chalubinski M, Wawrzyniak P. The Role of Defective Epithelial Barriers in Allergic Lung Disease and Asthma Development. J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:487-504. [PMID: 35463205 PMCID: PMC9030405 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s324080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The respiratory epithelium constitutes the physical barrier between the human body and the environment, thus providing functional and immunological protection. It is often exposed to allergens, microbial substances, pathogens, pollutants, and environmental toxins, which lead to dysregulation of the epithelial barrier and result in the chronic inflammation seen in allergic diseases and asthma. This epithelial barrier dysfunction results from the disturbed tight junction formation, which are multi-protein subunits that promote cell–cell adhesion and barrier integrity. The increasing interest and evidence of the role of impaired epithelial barrier function in allergy and asthma highlight the need for innovative approaches that can provide new knowledge in this area. Here, we review and discuss the current role and mechanism of epithelial barrier dysfunction in developing allergic diseases and the effect of current allergy therapies on epithelial barrier restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazek Noureddine
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maciej Chalubinski
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Paulina Wawrzyniak
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence: Paulina Wawrzyniak, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, 8032, Switzerland, Tel +41 44 266 75 42, Email ;
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12
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Bazan-Socha S, Jakiela B, Zuk J, Zarychta J, Soja J, Okon K, Dziedzina S, Zareba L, Dropinski J, Wojcik K, Padjas A, Marcinkiewicz C, Bazan JG. Interactions via α 2β 1 Cell Integrin May Protect against the Progression of Airway Structural Changes in Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126315. [PMID: 34204767 PMCID: PMC8231566 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased airway wall thickness and remodeling of bronchial mucosa are characteristic of asthma and may arise from altered integrin signaling on airway cells. Here, we analyzed the expression of β1-subfamily integrins on blood and airway cells (flow cytometry), inflammatory biomarkers in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage, reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickness and collagen deposits in the mucosa (histology), and airway geometry (CT-imaging) in 92 asthma patients (persistent airflow limitation subtype: n = 47) and 36 controls. Persistent airflow limitation was associated with type-2 inflammation, elevated soluble α2 integrin chain, and changes in the bronchial wall geometry. Both subtypes of asthma showed thicker RBM than control, but collagen deposition and epithelial α1 and α2 integrins staining were similar. Type-I collagen accumulation and RBM thickness were inversely related to the epithelial expression of the α2 integrin chain. Expression of α2β1 integrin on T-cells and eosinophils was not altered in asthma. Collagen I deposits were, however, more abundant in patients with lower α2β1 integrin on blood and airway CD8+ T-cells. Thicker airway walls in CT were associated with lower α2 integrin chain on blood CD4+ T-cells and airway eosinophils. Our data suggest that α2β1 integrin on inflammatory and epithelial cells may protect against airway remodeling advancement in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislawa Bazan-Socha
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-066 Krakow, Poland; (B.J.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (J.S.); (S.D.); (J.D.); (K.W.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-4248023; Fax: +48-12-4248041
| | - Bogdan Jakiela
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-066 Krakow, Poland; (B.J.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (J.S.); (S.D.); (J.D.); (K.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Joanna Zuk
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-066 Krakow, Poland; (B.J.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (J.S.); (S.D.); (J.D.); (K.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Jacek Zarychta
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-066 Krakow, Poland; (B.J.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (J.S.); (S.D.); (J.D.); (K.W.); (A.P.)
- Pulmonary Hospital, 34-500 Zakopane, Poland
| | - Jerzy Soja
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-066 Krakow, Poland; (B.J.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (J.S.); (S.D.); (J.D.); (K.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Krzysztof Okon
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Sylwia Dziedzina
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-066 Krakow, Poland; (B.J.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (J.S.); (S.D.); (J.D.); (K.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Lech Zareba
- College of Natural Sciences, Institute of Computer Science, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland; (L.Z.); (J.G.B.)
| | - Jerzy Dropinski
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-066 Krakow, Poland; (B.J.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (J.S.); (S.D.); (J.D.); (K.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Krzysztof Wojcik
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-066 Krakow, Poland; (B.J.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (J.S.); (S.D.); (J.D.); (K.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Agnieszka Padjas
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-066 Krakow, Poland; (B.J.); (J.Z.); (J.Z.); (J.S.); (S.D.); (J.D.); (K.W.); (A.P.)
| | - Cezary Marcinkiewicz
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Jan G. Bazan
- College of Natural Sciences, Institute of Computer Science, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland; (L.Z.); (J.G.B.)
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Cheng SL. Immunologic Pathophysiology and Airway Remodeling Mechanism in Severe Asthma: Focused on IgE-Mediated Pathways. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11010083. [PMID: 33419185 PMCID: PMC7825545 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the expansion of the understanding in asthma pathophysiology and the continual advances in disease management, a small subgroup of patients remains partially controlled or refractory to standard treatments. Upon the identification of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and other inflammatory mediators, investigations and developments of targeted agents have thrived. Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the circulating IgE, which in turn impedes and reduces subsequent releases of the proinflammatory mediators. In the past decade, omalizumab has been proven to be efficacious and well-tolerated in the treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma in both trials and real-life studies, most notably in reducing exacerbation rates and corticosteroid use. While growing evidence has demonstrated that omalizumab may be potentially beneficial in treating other allergic diseases, its indication remains confined to treating severe allergic asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria. Future efforts may be bestowed on determining the optimal length of omalizumab treatment, seeking biomarkers that could better predict treatment response and as well as extending its indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Lung Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Taipei Hospital, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Zhongli, Taoyuan 32056, Taiwan
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14
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Kozlik P, Zuk J, Bartyzel S, Zarychta J, Okon K, Zareba L, Bazan JG, Kosalka J, Soja J, Musial J, Bazan-Socha S. The relationship of airway structural changes to blood and bronchoalveolar lavage biomarkers, and lung function abnormalities in asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2019; 50:15-28. [PMID: 31532863 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airway structural changes are important in asthma pathology and require further investigations. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate which computed tomography (CT) indices, bronchial histological traits, or blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) biomarkers correlate best with lung function abnormalities in asthma. METHODS In 105 white adult asthmatics (53 with a component of fixed airflow obstruction), we determined airway cross-sectional geometry of two proximal (the right upper lobe apical segmental and the left apicoposterior) and two distal (the right and the left basal posterior) bronchi, quantified the low-attenuation lung area (LAA%), and analysed clusters based on airway CT-metrics. We also performed bronchofiberoscopy with BAL and endobronchial biopsy, assessed blood and BAL biomarkers, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IL-23, interferon (INF)γ and periostin, together with circulating a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein (ADAM)33, and investigated interplays between analysed variables. RESULTS Patients with fixed airflow limitation were characterized by lower lumen area and increased wall area and wall thickness ratios in distal airways, accompanied by raised LAA%. They had also higher blood neutrophilia, blood and BAL eosinophilia, increased circulating fibrinogen, periostin, and ADAM33. Blood neutrophilia, serum high density lipoproteins, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and shortened activated partial thromboplastin time were determinants of thicker reticular basement membrane (RBM). BAL eosinophilia was the only positive predictor of collagen I accumulation. Surprisingly, we observed a negative correlation between RBM thickening and collagen I deposit. Cluster analysis based on CT-metrics of the right lower lobe basal posterior bronchus revealed three well-separated clusters similar in age, asthma duration, and BMI, but different in RBM thickness, collagen I accumulation, and inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Airway remodelling traits are mainly related to the Th2 profile, higher circulating ADAM33, and blood neutrophilia. Lung function abnormalities and RBM thickening correlate better with CT-metrics of distal than proximal airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Kozlik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Zuk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sylwia Bartyzel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jacek Zarychta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.,Pulmonary Hospital, Zakopane, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Okon
- Department of Pathology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Lech Zareba
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Jan G Bazan
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Computational Modelling, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Joanna Kosalka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy Soja
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jacek Musial
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Stanislawa Bazan-Socha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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