Nectin4 is a potential therapeutic target for asthma

Angiogenesis Factors as Emerging Circulating Biomarkers in Asthma

Angiogenesis is an important event in the development of allergic inflammation as well as in the pathophysiology of tissue remodeling in asthma. Increased angiogenesis is a well-documented feature of airway remodeling in asthma. Angiogenesis refers to the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing endothelium. Angiogenesis can be initiated by endogenous angiogenic factors released from mesenchymal cells or inflammatory cells. Under physiological conditions, angiogenesis is controlled by an equilibrium between pro-endogenous and anti-endogenous angiogenic factors released from the extracellular matrix to become bioavailable. The presence of increased size and number of bronchial blood vessels indicates that angiogenesis plays a crucial role in tissue growth and remodeling in asthma. However, the diagnostic significance of circulating angiogenic factors in asthma remains unclear. This review summarizes the role of angiogenesis in airway remodeling in asthma, and the potential diagnostic implications of circulating angiogenetic factors.

Impact of the Junction Adhesion Molecule-A on Asthma

PURPOSE

Junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)-A is an immunoglobulin-like molecule that colocalizes with tight junctions (TJs) in the endothelium and epithelium. It is also found in blood leukocytes and platelets. The biological significance of JAM-A in asthma, as well as its clinical potential as a therapeutic target, are not well understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of JAM-A in a mouse model of asthma, and to determine blood levels of JAM-A in asthmatic patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) or saline were used to investigate the role of JAM-A in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. In addition, JAM-A levels were measured in the plasma of asthmatic patients and healthy controls. The relationships between JAM-A and clinical variables in patients with asthma were also examined.

RESULTS

Plasma JAM-A levels were higher in asthma patients (n=19) than in healthy controls (n=12). In asthma patients, the JAM-A levels correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁%), FEV₁/forced vital capacity (FVC), and the blood lymphocyte proportion. JAM-A, phospho-JNK, and phospho-ERK protein expressions in lung tissue were significantly higher in OVA/OVA mice than in control mice. In human bronchial epithelial cells treated with house dust mite extracts for 4 h, 8 h, and 24 h, the JAM-A, phospho-JNK, and phospho-ERK expressions were increased, as shown by Western blotting, while the transepithelial electrical resistance was reduced.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that JAM-A is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, and may be a marker for asthma.

Two Cases of Exacerbation of Asthma during Treatment with Enfortumab Vedotin

Enfortumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate against nectin-4 that is recently being used in the management of patients with urothelial carcinoma. The common adverse events include rashes, peripheral neuropathy, and hyperglycemia. Only a few cases of associated respiratory symptoms have been reported. Herein, we describe 2 patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma who experienced asthma exacerbation after initiating enfortumab vedotin treatment. Both patients improved with inhalation therapy. Since nectin-4 is expressed in the tracheal epithelium, its association with asthma is likely. This study highlights that clinicians should caution patients with a history of asthma against the worsening of respiratory symptoms when enfortumab vedotin is administered.