Scavenger Receptors and Resistance to Inhaled Allergens
Abstract
Our central hypothesis was that lung macrophage scavenger receptors normally function to bind and clear inhaled allergens and pathogens, thereby preventing allergic responses and infections. The purpose of the project was to determine whether 1) decreased levels of SRAs (mediated by environmental stresses) increase susceptibility to asthma; and 2) modulating levels of scavenger receptors will affect resistance to asthma. The results indicate that scavenger receptors modulate the allergic response, primarily by modifying dendritic cell trafficking to thoracic lymph nodes in the setting of asthma. Dendritic cells deficient in the scavenger receptors SRA I/II or MARCO traveled to the lymph nodes faster, and generated a more robust asthmatic response when allergen was delivered into the lungs. Scavenger receptors are linked to oxidant air pollution responses in a complex manner. Oxidant air pollution increases expression of MARCO which serves to scavenge oxidized pro-inflammatory lipids, thereby dampening, but not eradicating, acute inflammatory responses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA535436
Entities
People
- Lester Kobzik
Organizations
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health