Expression of neuroimmune semaphorins 4A and 4D and their receptors in the lung is enhanced by allergen and vascular endothelial growth factor
2011

Neuroimmune Semaphorins in Allergic Lung Inflammation

Sample size: 6 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Elizabeth P. Smith, Kathleen Shanks, Michael M. Lipsky, Louis J. DeTolla, Achsah D. Keegan, Svetlana P. Chapoval

Primary Institution: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Hypothesis

The expression and regulation of Sema4A, Sema4D, and their receptors in normal and allergic lungs is undefined.

Conclusion

Neuroimmune semaphorins Sema4A and Sema4D and their receptors may serve as potential markers for allergic airway inflammatory diseases.

Supporting Evidence

  • Allergen treatment induced asthma-like pathologies in murine lungs.
  • Sema4A was detected on bronchial epithelial and smooth muscle cells.
  • Sema4D expression was high on immune cells such as T and B lymphocytes.
  • Both allergen and VEGF upregulated the expression of neuroimmune semaphorins in lung tissue.
  • Sema4D-CD72 interaction was vastly upregulated by allergen.

Takeaway

This study found that certain proteins in the lungs, called semaphorins, increase when there is an allergic reaction, which could help us understand asthma better.

Methodology

The study used immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry techniques to analyze the expression of immune semaphorins and their receptors in lung tissue.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on murine models, which may not fully replicate human conditions.

Participant Demographics

C57BL/6 mice and VEGF tg mice were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.042

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2172-12-30

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