New evidence of inflammation in asthma.

The inflammation of chronic asthma appears to be far more complex than a simple eosinophilic inflammation. All cells of the airways—inflammatory and structural—are involved and become activated including T cells, eosinophils, mast cells, macrophages, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and even bronchial smooth muscle cells. All these cells play an eVector role by the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, cytotoxic mediators, and cytokines resulting in vascular leakage, hypersecretion of mucus, smooth muscle contraction, epithelial shedding, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. These cells are also involved in the regulation of inflammation of the airways and initiation of the process of remodelling by the release of cytokines and growth factors.