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The eosinophil enigma
Timothy J. Williams
Timothy J. Williams
Published February 15, 2004
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2004;113(4):507-509. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI21073.
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Commentary

The eosinophil enigma

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Abstract

Eosinophils accumulate in high numbers in the lungs of asthmatic patients. These cells have the ability to induce tissue damage, a capacity that relates to their traditional role in host defense against parasitic worms. On the other hand, eosinophils produce growth factors associated with tissue repair and remodeling, notably TGF-β1. The relationship of these activities to lung dysfunction in asthma is highly controversial, but recent observations in humans and in animal models add spice to the debate .

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Timothy J. Williams

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Figure 1

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Role of eosinophil-derived TGF-β1 in lung remodeling. Eosinophils in the...
Role of eosinophil-derived TGF-β1 in lung remodeling. Eosinophils in the asthmatic lung release latent TGF-β1. Latent TGF-β1 (latTGF-β1) is activated by αvβ6 expressed on airway epithelial cells. TGF-β1 mediates airway remodeling by inducing the formation of myofibroblasts that secrete extracellular matrix proteins, and the growth factor also stimulates airway smooth muscle hyperplasia.

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