Inhibition of stem cell factor reduces pulmonary cytokine levels during allergic airway responses

SUMMARY Stem cell factor (SCF) has a significant role in the inflammation and activation of allergic airway responses. When monoclonal anti‐SCF was administered intratracheally during allergen challenge there was a significant alteration of eosinophil accumulation and airway hyperreactivity (AHR). Anti‐SCF treatment also attenuated pulmonary cytokine and chemokine levels. In particular, there was an antibody dose‐dependent decrease in interleukin (IL)‐5 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐ α . There was also a significant reduction of CCL2 and CCL5, which correlated with the reduction in AHR. Mice treated with anti‐SCF demonstrated a significant decrease in pulmonary gob‐5 gene expression, which has been shown to correlate to goblet cell hyperplasia/metaplasia relating to airway mucus production. Blocking SCF‐mediated activation within the airway using a monoclonal antibody indicates that this cytokine may represent a viable target for therapeutic intervention that could affect multiple aspects of allergen‐induced immunopathology.