Eosinophils and asthama

Scientists have demonstrated a causative link between eosinophils, a type of WBC & asthma.

Mayo Clinic researchers have demonstrated a causative link between eosinophils, a rare type of white blood cell (WBC's), and asthma. Their research shows that the presence of these unique blood cells maybe the cause of asthma.

For more than a century, scientists have known that eosinophils are often the dominant inflammatory cells present in the lungs of asthma patients, but the importance of these white blood cells has been poorly understood with some studies even discounting a role for these cells. This new study demonstrates that eosinophils are required for the mucus accumulation and the lung dysfunction associated with asthma.

"Demonstrating that the eosinophil, a rare and often ignored cell, is a central mediator in the inflammation associated with asthma is a very important finding," James J. Lee, Ph.D., director, Special Animal Services Laboratory at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale was quoted as saying. "The outcomes of this study suggest the possibility of developing novel therapies and pharmaceuticals to treat and/or prevent asthma."

This study clearly shows that eosinophil activities are important contributing factors leading to symptoms classically defined as hallmark features of asthma.

Future medical genomics studies will seek to confirm these findings in asthma patients and to further define the role of eosinophils in human disease, thereby widening the understanding of the principle causes of asthma and leading to targeted therapeutic approaches previously dismissed or overlooked.