Asthma Inflammatory Response Paper

binds with the surface IgE and mediators are released (Story, 2012). TH2 cells are involved

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway that impacts a person’s and their family’s quality of life. In people with asthma, their airway becomes constricted with swelling and excessive mucous. This constriction or narrowing of the airway makes it difficult for the person with asthma to breath (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2009). If asthma is left uncontrolled, it leads to further wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, tiredness, and stress. (Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2009).

Sufficient stimulus by danger signals causes dendritic cells to become fully mature. This causes them to express signaling molecules that indicate the antigens they present were found in a dangerous environment. Mature dendritic cells promote immune reactions to

When visiting an asthmatic patient at home, it is important to monitor their environment. The home is a place where people spend the majority of their time and therefore can easily contribute to the exacerbation of asthma. While in the home environment, monitoring for mold, dust, pets, cigarette smoke or plants is important. The cleanliness of the home along with the sleeping environment can be good indicators as to the reasoning behind the patient’s condition. This is a good moment to teach the patient and family members ways to manage asthma based on the home environment. Explanation as to what irritants are is important. Visiting the home would also be a good time to observe the way in which the patient uses their inhaler along with other medications they may be using.

After development, each T cells have a unique form of T- cell receptor (TCR) which cannot identify the antigenic peptides directly, thus representing antigen specialized presenting cells (APC) such as dendritic cells (DCs) are required. DCs have the ability of processing the antigen into peptide to be presented by MHC molecules and they can migrate into the secondary lymphoid organs as well.

The airways present a large surface area constantly exposed to pathogens and toxic compounds/particulates which may cause harm to the organism were it to pass into the blood stream. To combat this, the airways have evolved a plethora of defence mechanisms shield against these attacking agents, namely the innate immune response. The respiratory epithelium is the most abundant cell type in the innate immune response. It provides a physical barrier to invasion, aided by the presence of the mucocilary blanket lining the epithelial cells. Pathogens trapped in this mucosal layer can be cleared mechanically by ciliary action, coughing and sneezing. This is further reinforced with a cellular response in the form of mononuclear phagocytes; such as monocytes,

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inflammatory lung disease that is sometimes called extrinsic allergic alveolitis. Considering the disease also affects bronchioles, however, the name of HP seems more accurate and universally accepted (Quirce et al., 2016). HP, of which farmer’s lung was the earliest discovered, is induced by repeated inhalation of antigens in the sensitized population, and presents with allergic inflammation in the alveoli and bronchioles (Chmelik et al., 1974; Johansson et al., 2001). However, this kind of allergic response is NOT IgE-mediated as in the case of many allergic diseases. It should be borne in mind as the discussion of HP

Breathing is a vital process for every human. Normal breathing is practically effortless for most people, but those with asthma face a great challenge. During an asthma attack, breathing is hampered, making it difficult or even impossible for air to flow through the lungs. Asthma is an increasingly common problem, and has become the most common chronic childhood disease. At least 17 million Americans suffer from it(1), and although it can be fatal, it is usually not that severe(4). There is no cure for asthma, but with proper care, it can usually be controlled.

Proposal Title: Plasmacytoid dendritic cells promote host defense against viral-induced asthma pathology via IRF7 expression

Dendritic cells are the antigen presenting cells (APCs). They play a key role in regulating the adaptive immune response. T cells can recognize the antigen only when they are processed and presented in the context of MHC molecules (type I or II) by the professional antigen presenting cells (APCs). DCs are referred to as professional APCs, since their main function is to present antigens, and only DCs have the unique ability to induce primary immune response in the resting naïve T cells which have not experienced the antigen before. DCs capture antigens, process them and present them on the cell surface in a form that T cell can recognize along with appropriate costimulatory molecules essential for effective activation. Other types of APCs include

This response begins with the activation of T-cells, CD4+ T-helper (TH) cells, CD8+

When the person is first exposed to the dust (allergen) their body starts to produce an antibody called IgE, to attack the allergen. The antibodies attach to a form of blood cell called a mast cell. Mast cells can be found in the airways, in the intestines. The presence of mast cells in the airways and GI tract makes these areas more susceptible to allergen exposure. The allergens bind to the IgE, which is attached to the mast cell. This causes the mast cells to release a variety of chemicals into the blood, causes most of the symptoms of an allergic reaction

challenge, although the number of dendritic cells increased post-antigen challenge. Within the trachea, dendritic cells were found to extend dendritic projections under the airway epithelium but not into the airway lumen. Mast cells were found to probe the vasculature with the probing frequency increasing post-allergen challenge53. Whether intraluminal dendrite scanning employed by mast cells has other functional roles needs to be evaluated further.

Asthma is a chronic disorder of the airways that is characterized by reversible airway obstruction, cellular infiltration, and airway inflammation. The response involves the interplay of genetic and environmental factors, as well as the activation of cells in the innate and adaptive immune systems.1 (Hall, S.C et al. 2016)

A cardinal feature of atopic disease (AD) is an inappropriate biological hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli mediated by the immune cells (i.e. T lymphocytes, eosinophils and mast cells) as well as neuropeptides, cytokines and chemokines [3]. Asthma is an atopic disease with the dominant pathophysiology being an inappropriate inflammation of the airways [2]. It is a well established fact that the immune system and the stress system communicate through avenues such as hormones, growth factors, and neurotransmitters [2]. This communication means that these two systems have