Effects of NGF application on airway inflammation in a Murine model of allergic bronchial asthma

There is growing evidence that besides the classical Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, the nerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophin family, plays a central role in the development of allergic inflammation, questions concerning the function of this factor have been raised. Recent research points to a dual role of NGF, in the one hand acting on neurons as a mediator of airway hyperresponsiveness, and, on the other hand, being a proinflammatory cytokine which enhances the Th2 response. In a murine model of allergic bronchial asthma, we provide further evidence for the proinflammatory properties of NGF. NGF is produced by immune cells generating a peribrochial infiltrate during allergic inflammation.