Struggling With Asthma? These Immune Cells Could Be The Reason (Image Credits: iStock)
New research has uncovered a potential reason why some patients with severe asthma do not respond to advanced treatments. Scientists have identified a group of immune cells, known as intermediate group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), that can adapt and transform into other immune cell types, potentially interfering with asthma therapies.
Biologic drugs have significantly improved the treatment of severe asthma driven by eosinophils, a type of white blood cell linked to ILC2s. However, not all patients experience relief from these drugs. According to a recent study published in Science Translational Medicine, the ability of ILC2s to morph into another type of immune cell may explain this inconsistency.
Intermediate ILC2s exhibit characteristics of both ILC2s and group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s). While ILC2s are tied to eosinophils, ILC3s are linked to another white blood cell called neutrophils. Asthma attacks involving both eosinophils and neutrophils tend to be harder to manage and less responsive to common treatments like glucocorticosteroids, which are typically prescribed for severe asthma.
“When asthma involves both eosinophils and neutrophils, patients generally respond poorly to standard therapies,” explained Dr. Parameswaran Nair, a researcher and chair in airway diseases at McMaster University in Canada. Severe asthma that resists conventional treatments affects approximately 10% of asthma patients, underscoring the need for alternative approaches.
New Findings and Potential Therapies
To investigate further, researchers analyzed mucus samples from 34 people with severe asthma. They discovered that ILC2s were associated with higher levels of eosinophils, while ILC3s were linked to increased neutrophil counts—both of which contribute to the complexity of treating severe asthma.
The study also revealed that some ILC2s could transition into cells with ILC3-like features in the airways of asthma patients. This discovery highlights a previously unknown factor that could be contributing to therapy resistance.
In addition, researchers identified growth factors that encourage the formation of intermediate ILC2s. Controlling the levels of these intermediate cells could potentially reduce the number of problematic white blood cells, offering a pathway to alleviate severe asthma symptoms.
“These findings pave the way for developing new therapeutic targets for difficult-to-treat asthma,” Dr. Nair stated.
Tips to Prevent Severe Asthma Symptoms
While researchers work to develop better treatments, people with asthma can take proactive steps to manage symptoms:
- Identify and Avoid Triggers: Common triggers include allergens, smoke, pollution, and stress. Understanding personal triggers is crucial for prevention.
- Take Medicines On Time: Take prescribed medications regularly, including inhalers and preventive treatments.
- Monitor Air Quality: Use air purifiers indoors and check outdoor air quality indexes before venturing out.
- Stay Active: Engage in light exercise to strengthen lung capacity, but consult a doctor before starting new routines.
- Get Regular Checkups: Regular medical consultations help track asthma progress and adjust treatment plans if necessary.
- Practice Breathing Exercises: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can improve lung function and reduce stress.
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