Region-specific regulation of mucus production in allergic asthma is dependent on IL-13R alpha 1 expression

Increased mucus production is a critical factor impairing lung function in patients suffering from bronchial asthma, the most common chronic inflammatory disease worldwide. In acute and chronic mouse models of allergic asthma metaplasia 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 current study aimed at elucidating what detains TH2 cell derived IL-13 from inducing GC metaplasia in distal airways by investigating the IL-13 signalling…