RORγt-specific RNAi decreases allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of neutrophilic asthma

Introduction: Recent studies suggest T helper 17 (Th17) cells as important players in the progression of asthma towards a severe phenotype. Characterized by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-22 and IL-17A, Th17 cells appear to act as general promoters of chronic inflammatory responses. These effector functions are regulated by the transcription factor Retinoic acid-related Orphan Receptor gamma (RORγ) t, which is essential for their differentiation. Thus, RORγt represents an ideal target not only to investigate the actual contribution of Th17 cells in the formation of severe asth…