CRAC gene removal approach counters allergic asthma
Written By : Isra Zaman
Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2022-10-10 03:30 GMT | Update On 2022-10-10 03:30 GMT
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Led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, experiments showed that removing the gene for a calcium channel - specifically the calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel made up of ORAI1 proteins - thoroughly reduced asthmatic inflammation in the lungs of mice caused by house dust mite feces, a common cause of allergic asthma.
The study revolved around the use of charged particles, mainly calcium, by human cells to send signals and flip biological switches. When triggered–whether by viral proteins or allergens - immune cells called T cells open channels in their outer membranes, letting calcium rush in to turn on signaling pathways that control cell division and secretion of cytokine molecules that help T cells communicate with other immune cells.
Past work had found that CRAC channels in T cells regulate their ability to multiply into armies of cells designed to fight infections caused by viruses and other pathogens.
In the new study, the research team found that genetic deletion of ORAI1 in T cells, or treatment of mice with the CRAC channel inhibitor CM4620, thoroughly suppressed Th2-driven airway inflammation in response to house dust mite allergens.
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