Experimental lung research
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Neutrophilic inflammation is a key effector arm of the innate immune response. Neutrophils may contribute significantly to airway inflammation in certain asthma subtypes. The objective of this study is to investigate the innate immune responses of isolated airway and circulating neutrophils in asthma. ⋯ Resting and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated circulating neutrophils had lower levels of TLR2 and IL-1beta gene expression in asthma, but were otherwise similar to healthy controls. No differences were seen for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 release in asthma. Innate immune responses of airway neutrophil cells are impaired in asthmatic subjects on prophylactic therapy and may impact on susceptibility to, and severity of, airway infections.