Induction of immunoglobulin A as a therapeutic intervention in allergic asthma

Abstract

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in response to inhaled allergens and is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and a variable degree of airflow obstruction, leading to episodes of wheezing, coughing and breathlessness. In addition, structural changes (‘airway remodeling’) in the airway including subepithelial and airway wall fibrosis, goblet cell hyperplasia/metaplasia, smooth muscle thickening and increased vascularity are observed. In susceptible individuals, repeated exposure to harmless environmental allergens like house-dust mites (HDMs), molds, plant pollen and animal dander can lead to sensitization and development of a chronic immune response consisting of an effector cascade leading to immediate and late-phase reactions to allergens and subsequent characteristic clinical symptoms