Emerging Cell and Molecular Targets for Treating Mucus Hypersecretion in Asthma

Authors

Ana M Jaramillo
Eszter K Vladar
Fernando Holguin
Burton F Dickey
Christopher M Evans

Language

English

Publication Date

7-1-2024

Journal

Allergology International

DOI

10.1016/j.alit.2024.04.002

PMID

38692992

PMCID

PMC11491148

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

10-20-2024

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Mucus provides a protective barrier that is crucial for host defense in the lungs. However, excessive or abnormal mucus can have pathophysiological consequences in many pulmonary diseases, including asthma. Patients with asthma are treated with agents that relax airway smooth muscle and reduce airway inflammation, but responses are often inadequate. In part, this is due to the inability of existing therapeutic agents to directly target mucus. Accordingly, there is a critical need to better understand how mucus hypersecretion and airway plugging are affected by the epithelial cells that synthesize, secrete, and transport mucus components. This review highlights recent advances in the biology of mucin glycoproteins with a specific focus on MUC5AC and MUC5B, the chief macromolecular components of airway mucus. An improved mechanistic understanding of key steps in mucin production and secretion will help reveal novel potential therapeutic strategies.

Keywords

Humans, Asthma, Mucus, Animals, Molecular Targeted Therapy, Mucins, Mucin 5AC, Mucin-5B, Respiratory Mucosa, Asthma, Mucin, Mucous Cell, Mucus, Secretion

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Jaramillo, Ana M; Vladar, Eszter K; Holguin, Fernando; et al., "Emerging Cell and Molecular Targets for Treating Mucus Hypersecretion in Asthma" (2024). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 5545.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthgsbs_docs/5545