Cockroach induces inflammatory responses through protease-dependent pathways

Kota Wada, Yoshinori Matsuwaki, Hiroshi Moriyama, Hirohito Kita

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Exposure to cockroaches is a major risk factor for asthma. Products from cockroaches may contain proteases and ligands for pattern recognition receptors. These molecules may activate airway inflammatory cells, such as eosinophils, that are involved in asthma. Among inner-city children, cockroach allergens play an especially important role in increasing asthma morbidity. The molecular mechanism for this association between cockroach exposure and asthma is not fully understood. Enzymatic activities from cockroaches activate inflammatory cells in the airways and may also exacerbate certain human airway diseases, such as asthma. We recently reported that cockroach extracts contain pepstatin A-sensitive proteases that activate PAR-2 and induce activation and degranulation of human eosinophils. This review focuses on the effects of cockroach on various inflammatory cells, including eosinophils, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, and T cells, in allergic reactions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)135-141
Number of pages7
JournalInternational archives of allergy and immunology
Volume155
Issue numberSUPPL. 1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2011

Keywords

  • Asthma
  • Eosinophils
  • Inflammation
  • Protease
  • Protease-activated receptor-2

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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