Reducing Airway Mucus Alleviates Asthma in Mouse Study

Reducing Airway Mucus Alleviates Asthma in Mouse Study

Reducing Airway Mucus Alleviates Asthma in Mouse Study

NIAID scientists and their collaborators at the University of Colorado show that overproduction of airway mucus, particularly a type called MUC5AC, is responsible for asthma symptoms in animal models. Mice missing the Muc5ac gene were protected from asthma caused by allergic triggers.

If the results hold true in people, targeting MUC5AC production may offer a new strategy for treating asthma and possibly other lung disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.