CD151, a laminin receptor showing increased expression in asthmatic patients, contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness through calcium signaling

Abstract

Background Airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction underpins airway constriction; however, underlying mechanisms for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) remain incompletely defined. CD151, a 4-transmembrane glycoprotein that associates with laminin-binding integrins, is highly expressed in the human lung. The role of CD151 in ASM function and its relationship to asthma have yet to be elucidated. Objective We sought to ascertain whether CD151 expression is clinically relevant to asthma and whether CD151 expression affects AHR. Methods Using immunohistochemical analysis, we determined the expression of CD151 in human bronchial biopsy specimens from patients with varying asthma severities and studi..