Background: The crucial role of T helper (Th) 2 cells in allergic eosinophilic inflammation has been established. Methods: To determine the dynamics of Th2 cells in airway eosinophilic inflammation, ovalbumin-reactive murine Th2 clones were infused into unprimed mice. Results: The infused T cells were activated and migrated into the bronchial submucosa upon provocation with the relevant inhaled antigen. The T cell migration was followed by massive eosinophilic infiltration, edema, swelling of epithelial cells in the lung and a significant increase in bronchial responsiveness to acetylcholine. Conclusion: Clonal Th2 cells have the potential to accumulate and induce eosinophilic inflammation in the lung upon antigenic stimulation.

Keywords:
Asthma, CD4+ T cell, Eosinophil, Mouse
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© 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel
2001
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