Mechanisms involved in the development of bronchial smooth muscle hyperresponsiveness in allergic bronchial asthma

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Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is one of the central mediators for development of airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. However, its effect on bronchial smooth muscle (BSM) is not well known. Recent studies revealed an involvement of RhoA/Rho-kinase in BSM contraction and this pathway has now been proposed as a new target for asthma therapy. The current study demonstrated that IL-13 caused both an augmented BSM contractility and an upregulation of RhoA in BSMs. Thus, IL-13 signaling is critical for development of BSM hyperresponsiveness and that agents that specifically inhibit this pathway in BSM may provide a novel strategy for treatment of asthma.