James Martin, MD

Airway inflammation in asthma is a T cell-driven process. The extent of inflammation is controlled by several T cell subsets. Using animal models, we have investigated 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. A combination of whole animal and cellular models is being used to address mechanisms of remodeling and the growth factors that may be implicated. The effects of airway inflammation on airway smooth muscle contractile properties are also being addressed. 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.Asthma, airway inflammation, Th2 cells, T cell cytokines, airway smooth muscle culture, calcium signaling, single cell imaging, lung morphometry, animal models