Gelsolin Secretion in Interleukin-4–treated Bronchial Epithelia and in Asthmatic Airways

Abstract

Our findings indicate that gelsolin is released by epithelial cells into the airways and that its secretion is increased by IL-4 in vitro. In addition, we found that the concentration of both IL-4 and gelsolin were raised in the bronchoalveolar lavage of patients with asthma. These results suggest that gelsolin might improve the fluidity of airway surface liquid in asthma by breaking down filamentous actin that may be released in large amounts by dying cells during inflammation.