James Martin, MD

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that is mediated in many instances by the T cell. Various subsets have been implicated including T helper 2 cells, T helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells. Research has focused on the contributions of CD4+ T cells and various CD8+ T cell subsets, both αβ-TCR and γδ-TCR+ cells in asthma. Currently the role of the T cell in causing structural remodeling of the airways, and in particular airway smooth muscle growth, is being addressed. The adherence of T cells to smooth muscle may drive proliferation and the mechanisms of remodeling and the growth factors that may be implicated in this phenomenon are being investigated. In addition the induction of asthma by oxidative stress and activation of the innate immune system is being examined. It is hoped that these studies will help to clarify the complex interactions between T cell-driven inflammation and abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle in asthmatic airways as well as the role of oxidative stress.