Mast cell–derived TNF contributes to airway hyperreactivity, inflammation, and TH2 cytokine production in an asthma model in mice
BACKGROUND: Mast cells, IgE, and TNF, which have been implicated in human atopic
asthma, contribute significantly to the allergic airway inflammation induced by ovalbumin
(OVA) challenge in mice sensitized with OVA without alum. However, it is not clear to what
extent mast cells represent a significant source of TNF in this mouse model. OBJECTIVE: We
investigated the importance of mast cell–derived TNF in a mast cell–dependent model of
OVA-induced airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and allergic airway inflammation. METHODS …
asthma, contribute significantly to the allergic airway inflammation induced by ovalbumin
(OVA) challenge in mice sensitized with OVA without alum. However, it is not clear to what
extent mast cells represent a significant source of TNF in this mouse model. OBJECTIVE: We
investigated the importance of mast cell–derived TNF in a mast cell–dependent model of
OVA-induced airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and allergic airway inflammation. METHODS …