Japanese Researchers Identify Malevolent Cell Types Reducing Lung Inflammation
In a groundbreaking study published in the European Respiratory Journal, Associate Professor Kensuke Miyake and his team from the Institute of Science Tokyo have revealed new insights into the role of basophils in the recovery process of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
Contrary to their traditional villainous reputation in diseases like asthma, this research demonstrates that during the recovery phase of ARDS, basophils, a type of immune cell, accumulate in the lungs and secrete interleukin-4 (IL-4). This secretion helps to reduce inflammation by suppressing neutrophil activity, immune cells that can exacerbate lung tissue damage.
The study, which was conducted on cells, focused on lung inflammation and recovery from ARDS. Experimental mice with blocked basophil or IL-4 function experienced prolonged lung inflammation and worsened symptoms, highlighting basophils’ critical role in resolving ARDS-related lung inflammation.
ARDS is a severe inflammatory condition that typically occurs due to severe pneumonia or sepsis, leading to respiratory failure. With high mortality rates (30-50%), there currently lacks effective drug therapies for ARDS. This discovery challenges previous understandings and suggests that therapies aimed at enhancing basophil function or IL-4 signaling could be promising new treatment avenues for ARDS.
This advancement identifies a previously underappreciated immune mechanism in lung inflammation resolution, providing a target for novel therapeutic strategies beyond existing supportive measures like mechanical ventilation. Further clinical research and drug development efforts are likely necessary to translate these findings into new treatments.
[1] Miyake, K., et al. (2022). Basophils mediate recovery from ARDS by suppressing neutrophil activity through IL-4. European Respiratory Journal. [2] European Lung Foundation. (2021). Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Retrieved from www.europeanlung.org/patient-information/lung-conditions/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards [3] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Retrieved from www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome
- The groundbreaking study in the European Respiratory Journal, led by Associate Professor Kensuke Miyake, has shed light on the involvement of science, specifically basophils, in the recovery process of medical-conditions like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
- This research on ARDS and respiratory-conditions, conducted by Miyake's team from the Institute of Science Tokyo, suggests that future health-and-wellness strategies could focus on enhancing basophil function or IL-4 signaling as potential treatment options.
