Figure 3

Model for the role C3a in AHR and airway inflammation in asthma. C3a generated in individuals with asthma (see Fig. 1) induces mast degranulation (Fig. 2) to promote ASM force generation. Chemokines and cytokines expressed by ASM recruit and retain mast cells into the ASM layer resulting in further smooth muscle dysfunction. T_H2 cytokines and chemokines generated from mast cells (and possibly eosinophils and bronchial epithelial cells) regulate AHR and airway inflammation.