%0 Journal Article
%T T cell and airway smooth muscle interaction: a key driver of asthmatic airway inflammation and remodelling.
%A Zhou M
%A Sun R
%A Jang J
%A Martin JG
%J Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 16
%M 39010821
%F 6.011
%R 10.1152/ajplung.00121.2024
%X Crosstalk between T cells and airway smooth muscle (ASM) may play a role in modulating asthmatic airway inflammation and remodelling. Infiltrating T cells have been observed within the ASM bundles of asthmatics, and a wide range of direct and indirect interactions between T cells and ASM have been demonstrated using various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Contact-dependent mechanisms such as ligation and activation of cellular adhesion and costimulatory molecules, as well as the formation of lymphocyte-derived membrane conduits, facilitate the adhesion, bidirectional communication and transfer of materials between T and ASM cells. T cell-derived cytokines, particularly of the Th1, Th2 and Th17 subsets, modulate the secretome, proliferation and contractility of ASM cells. This review summarizes the mechanisms governing T cell-ASM crosstalk in the context of asthma. Understanding the underlying mechanistic basis is important for directing future research and developing therapeutic interventions targeted towards this complex interaction.