The Notch mediator RBP-J in CD4 T cells plays a crucial role in the induction of allergic asthma in mice

Although asthma is a complex disease, studies in patients and animal models have shown that enhanced activation of T helper-2 (Th2) cells and their cytokines explain many disease hallmarks. These include immunoglobulin E synthesis (IL-4), airway eosinophilia (IL-5), mast cell accumulation (IL-9), goblet cell hyperplasia (IL-4, IL-13) and bronchial hyperreactivity (IL-13). Central to the initiation of Th2 differentiation is IL-4, which induces the key Th2 transcription factor Gata3. Gata3 regulates the expression of the IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 genes. We have previously shown that Jagged-Notch signaling controls IL-4…