Primary prevention strategy for bronchial asthma in childhood

Abstract

 Both acquired and innate immune responses are reportedly involved in the development of bronchial asthma in childhood. However, both avoidance of house dust mite antigens and induction of oral tolerance to house dust mite antigens (intervention to acquired immunity) showed only minimal effects. Several studies indicated that patients with asthma have impaired anti-viral immune responses, especially in regard to production of anti-viral interferons which may be the main cause of frequent lower airway infections. Th2 cytokines and epithelial cell-derived cytokines (IL-33 and TSLP) were shown to play predominant roles in that impairment of anti-viral interferon production, suggesting that suppression of these cytokines may be effective. High concentrations of serum Th2 cytokines and epithelial cell-derived cytokines are observed in atopic dermatitis patients. Therefore, primary prevention/appropriate treatment of atopic dermatitis may currently be the best option for preventing childhood asthma.