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Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports 2/2017

01-02-2017 | Basic and Applied Science (I Lewkowich, Section Editor)

Alveolar Macrophages in Allergic Asthma: the Forgotten Cell Awakes

Authors: Christina Draijer, Marc Peters-Golden

Published in: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The role of alveolar macrophages in innate immune responses has long been appreciated. Here, we review recent studies evaluating the participation of these cells in allergic inflammation.

Recent Findings

Immediately after allergen exposure, monocytes are rapidly recruited from the bloodstream and serve to promote acute inflammation. By contrast, resident alveolar macrophages play a predominantly suppressive role in an effort to restore homeostasis. As inflammation becomes established after repeated exposures, alveolar macrophages can polarize across a continuum of activation phenotypes, losing their suppressive functions and gaining pathogenic functions.

Summary

Future research should focus on the diverse roles of monocytes/macrophages during various types and phases of allergic inflammation. These properties could lead us to new therapeutic opportunities.
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Metadata
Title
Alveolar Macrophages in Allergic Asthma: the Forgotten Cell Awakes
Authors
Christina Draijer
Marc Peters-Golden
Publication date
01-02-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1529-7322
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6315
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-017-0681-6

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