Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the pathogenesis of asthma |
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Authors: | C D Wegner R H Gundel P Reilly N Haynes L G Letts R Rothlein |
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Institution: | Department of Pharmacology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT 06877. |
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Abstract: | Airway eosinophilia, epithelial desquamation, and hyperresponsiveness are characteristics of the airway inflammation underlying bronchial asthma. The contribution of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) to eosinophil migration and airway responsiveness was studied. ICAM-1 partially mediated eosinophil adhesion to to endothelium in vitro and was upregulated on inflamed bronchial endothelium in vivo. ICAM-1 expression was also upregulated on inflamed airway epithelium in vitro and in vivo. In a primate model of asthma, a monoclonal antibody to ICAM-1 attenuated airway eosinophilia and hyperresponsiveness. Thus, antagonism of ICAM-1 may provide a therapeutic approach to reducing airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, and asthma symptoms. |
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