Severe Asthmatic Responses: The Impact of TSLP

NLRP3/GSDMD mediated pyroptosis induces lung inflammation susceptibility in diesel exhaust exposed mouse strains

BACKGROUND

Genetic diversity among species influences the disease severity outcomes linked to air pollution. However, the mechanism responsible for this variability remain elusive and needs further investigation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the genetic factors and pathways linked with differential susceptibility in mouse strains associated with diesel exhaust exposure.

METHODS

C57BL/6 and Balb/c mice were exposed to diesel exhaust (DE) for 5 days/week for 30 min/day for 8 weeks. Body weight of mice was recorded every week and airway hyperresponsiveness towards DE exposure was recorded after 24 h of last exposure. Mice were euthanised to collect BALF, blood, lung tissues for immunobiochemical assays, structural integrity and genetic studies.

RESULTS

C57BL/6 mice showed significantly decreased body weight in comparison to Balb/c mice (p < 0.05). Both mouse strains showed lung resistance and damage to elastance upon DE exposure compared to respective controls (p < 0.05) with more pronounced effects in C57BL/6 mice. Lung histology showed increase in bronchiolar infiltration and damage to the wall in C57BL/6 mice (p < 0.05). DE exposure upregulated pro-inflammatory and Th2 cytokine levels in C57BL/6 in comparison to Balb/c mice. C57BL/6 mice showed increase in Caspase-1 and ASC expression confirming activation of downstream pathway. This showed significant activation of inflammasome pathway in C57BL/6 mice with ∼2-fold increase in NLRP3 and elevated IL-1β expression. Gasdermin-D levels were increased in C57BL/6 mice demonstrating induction of pyroptosis that corroborated with IL-1β secretion (p < 0.05). Genetic variability among both species was confirmed with sanger's sequencing suggesting presence of SNPs in 3'UTRs of IL-1β gene influencing expression between mouse strains.

CONCLUSIONS

C57BL/6 mice exhibited increased susceptibility to diesel exhaust in contrast to Balb/c mice via activation of NLRP3-related pyroptosis. Differential susceptibility between strains may be attributed via SNPs in the 3'UTRs of the IL-1β gene.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of monoclonal antibodies targeting TSLP and IgE in asthma management

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the utilization of biologic therapies for the management of asthma. Both TSLP and IgE are important immune molecules in the development of asthma, and they are involved in the occurrence and regulation of inflammatory response.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted to gather information on anti-TSLP antibody and anti-IgE antibody.

RESULTS

This investigation elucidates the distinct mechanistic roles of Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the pathogenesis of asthma, with a particular emphasis on delineating the therapeutic mechanisms and pharmacological properties of monoclonal antibodies targeting IgE and TSLP. Through a meticulous examination of clinical trials involving paradigmatic agents such as omalizumab and tezepelumab, we offer valuable insights into the potential treatment modalities for diseases with shared immunopathogenic pathways involving IgE and TSLP.

CONCLUSION

The overarching objective of this comprehensive study is to delve into the latest advancements in asthma therapeutics and to provide guidance for future investigations in this domain.

Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation of Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang's therapeutic effects against neutrophilic asthma

BACKGROUND

Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang (XQLT), a classical Chinese herbal medicine formula, has been extensively used for allergic asthma treatment. However, there is limited research on its anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms specifically in neutrophilic asthma (NA).

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of XQLT against NA using a combination of network pharmacology and experimental validation.

STUDY DESIGN

By utilizing traditional Chinese medicine and disease databases, we constructed an XQLT-asthma network to identify potential targets of XQLT for NA. In the experimental phase, we utilized an ovalbumin (OVA)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced model for neutrophilic asthma and examined the therapeutic effects of XQLT.

RESULTS

Our research identified 174 bioactive components within XQLT and obtained 140 target genes of XQLT against asthma. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these target genes were primarily associated with inflammation and cytokines. In the experimental validation, mice induced with OVA-LPS showcased eosinophilic and neutrophilic cell infiltration in peri-bronchial areas, elevated levels of IL-4 and IL-17 in both serum and lung, increased percentages of Th2 and Th17 cells in the spleen, as well as elevated levels of CD11b+ and CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) within the lung. Treatment with XQLT effectively reduced IL-4 and IL-17 levels, decreased the percentages of Th2, Th17, CD11b+, and CD103+ DCs, and improved inflammatory cell infiltrations in lung tissues. These findings serve as a foundation for the potential clinical application of XQLT in neutrophilic asthma.

Advances in co-pathogenesis of the united airway diseases

According to the concept of "united airway diseases", the airway is a single organ in which upper and lower airway diseases are commonly comorbid. A range of inflammatory factors have been found to play an important role in the chain reaction of upper and lower airway diseases. However, the amount of research on this concept remains limited. The underlying mechanism of the relationship between typical diseases of the united airway, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic sinusitis, also needs to be further explored. This review highlights the interaction between upper and lower respiratory diseases gathered from epidemiological, histoembryology, neural mechanistic, microbiological, and clinical studies, revealing the relationship between the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

Investigational thymic stromal lymphopoietin inhibitors for the treatment of asthma: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Severe asthma patients often remain uncontrolled despite high-intensity therapies. Biological therapies targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a key player in asthma pathogenesis, have emerged as potential options. Currently, the only TSLP inhibitor approved for the treatment of severe asthma is the immunoglobulin G (IgG) 2λ anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody (mAb) tezepelumab.

AREAS COVERED

This systematic review assesses the efficacy and safety of investigational TSLP inhibitors across different stages of development for asthma treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

TSLP contributes to airway inflammation, making it a pivotal therapeutic target. Ecleralimab, an inhaled antibody fragment antigen binding, shows promising evidence in enhancing efficacy and reducing systemic adverse events. SAR443765, with its NANOBODY® formulation and bispecific inhibition of TSLP and IL-13, offers improved tissue penetration and efficacy. The mAB TQC2731 exhibits high in vitro bioactivity, and the strength of the mAb UPB-101 is to act against the TSLP receptor. Some studies include mild and moderate asthma patients, suggesting the potential for extending biological therapy to non-severe patients. This systematic review highlights the potential of TSLP inhibitors as valuable additions to asthma treatment, even in milder forms of the disease. Future research and cost-reduction efforts are needed to expanding access to these promising therapies.

Advances in Molecular Medicine: Unravelling Disease Complexity and Pioneering Precision Healthcare

The escalating impacts of the climate crisis, zoonotic spill-over, and antibiotic resistance have positioned molecular medicine at the forefront of pioneering translational research [...].