Figure 2

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) and cigarette smoke affect allergic sensitization and the development or exacerbation of asthma. Similar proposed mechanisms for both inhalable pollutants, obtained from human, mouse and in vitro data are shown. Both DEP and cigarette smoke induce tissue damage and oxidative stress, resulting in a pulmonary inflammation with increased neutrophils and T-cells, and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines. This creates an environment which facilitates allergic sensitization. Cell types and mediators that are increased upon the combination of allergen and inhalable pollutant exposure (both DEP and cigarette smoke) and which are specifically associated with allergic asthma are indicated with a small black arrow.