Specific siRNA targeting RORγt inhibits airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of neutrophilic asthma

Introduction: Epidemiological studies suggest T helper 17 (Th17) cells as important players in the progression of asthma towards a severe phenotype. Regulated by the transcription factor Retinoic acid-related Orphan Receptor gamma (RORγ) t, which is essential for the effector functions and the differentiation and of these cells, Th17 cells appear to act as general promoters of chronic inflammatory responses. Objective: To evaluate whether the Th17-specific transcription factor RORγt could be a suitable target for a therapeutic intervention of neutrophilic asthma. Methods: C57BL/6 (WT) and RORγt deficient (RORγt…