Investigations on the IL-13 signalling along the airway tree-implications on mucus production in allergic asthma?

Introduction: Allergic asthma is the most common chronic inflammatory disease worldwide and is clinically characterized by a variable degree of broncho-obstruction. Increased mucus production is a critical factor impairing lung function. In acute and chronic mouse models of allergic asthma hyperplasia of mucus producing goblet cells (GC) was found in proximal but not in distal airways although secretion of interleukin (IL)-13, the main trigger of mucus production, was significantly elevated along the entire airway tree. The aim of the current study was to identify the part of the IL-13 signalling pathway that de…