Factors Involved in Asthma and Airway Inflammation

Study Summary

Asthma is the third leading cause of preventable admissions to the hospital in the United States. Deaths and diseases associated with asthma increase every year. Asthma is a disorder of airway inflammation. There are several factors thought to play a role in the process of inflammation. In this study researchers are particularly interested in studying a factors known as TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and the sites where this factor attaches called receptors. Another factor associated with receptor processing is called aminopeptidase-like protein. It may be involved in the relationship between TNF, it's receptors, and inflammation. In order to understand the relationship between these factors, researchers plan to simulate an allergic reaction in the lungs and airways of patients participating in the study. By doing this they can collect and study the factors causing airway inflammation. Samples collected from patients with asthma will be compared to samples from volunteers without asthma. Patients and volunteers participating in this study will not directly benefit from this research. However, the study may help researchers understand the causes and processes involved in asthma. In addition, the study may lead to the development of new treatments for asthma and airway inflammation.