The effect of inhaled inactived Mycobacterium phlei as a treatment for asthma

Allergic asthma is a chronic airway disorder characterized by airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). A murine model of asthma was used to examine the antiasthmatic effect of inhaled inactived Mycobacterium phlei (M. phlei). AHR, neutrophil levels, eosinophil levels and levels of interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) were monitored. The results demonstrated that inactivated M. phlei alleviates the IL-17+γδT cell-mediated immune response and attenuates airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in the asthmatic murine lung, partially through inhibiting the expression of IL-23R. In conclusion, inactivated M. phlei may be an effective antiasthmatic treatment, regulating IL-17-producing γδT (IL-17+γδT) cell-mediated airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness to relieve the symptoms of mice with asthma.