Treatment of airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in a mouse model of neutrophilic asthma using a RORγt-specific siRNA

Introduction: Studies suggest T helper 17 (Th17) cells as important players in the pathogenesis of neutrophilic asthma. Characterized by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-22 and IL-17A and the expression of the transcription factor Retinoic acid-related Orphan Receptor gamma (RORγ)t, Th17 cells appear to act as general promoters of chronic inflammatory responses. Thus, it is conceivable to make use of this transcription factor as a prime target for therapeutic intervention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to diminish RORγt expression by using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)…