Mucus Production in Lung after Inhaling Allergen with or without Functional Il-33 Sensor (IMAGE)

CNRS

Mucus Production in Lung after Inhaling Allergen with or without Functional Il-33 Sensor

Caption

Excessive mucus production is characteristic of allergic asthma. The IL-33 protein, a major factor predisposing humans to asthma, detects allergen protease activity. Activated by proteases, IL-33 sets off a cascade of reactions, including mucus production, that are associated with asthma and other allergic diseases. When IL-33 activation is inhibited (see image on right), these reactions are not triggered.

Credit

Corinne Cayrol and Jean-Philippe Girard, IPBS, CNRS / Université Toulouse III--Paul Sabatier

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