Gamma-aminobutyric acid nurtures allergic asthma

Abstract

Asthma often occurs as a result of immune-based inflammatory responses, which consequently cause pathological changes in airway structural cells. However, the underlying mechanisms of airway pathology in asthma are still not fully understood. Our recent studies revealed a critical role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signalling pathway in the airway epithelium of allergic asthma through its ability to stimulate mucus production. This review briefly describes the GABAergic signalling system and its role in the regulation of mucus protein production in bronchial airway epithelial cells.