Semaphorin 3A: Is a key player in the pathogenesis of asthma

Immune semaphorins are key players in regulating immune mediated inflammation. Semaphorin3A (sema3A) a secreted and membrane bound member of this family, is well reported for its properties in maintaining self-tolerance. Semaphorin3A was recognized to be a marker for T-regulatory cells (Tregs), and as such is a useful tool for assessing the status of these cells in preventing immune mediated diseases. This study was designed aiming to evaluate how sema3A is possibly involved in bronchial asthma. Here, we found sema3A serum levels and the expression of sema3A on Tregs significantly lower in patients with moderate to severe asthma when compared to healthy individuals. Co-culture of condition medium with 2 mcg/ml of recombinant human sema3A with CD4+ T cells, increased the expression of FoxP3 in Tregs, suggesting sema3A a potent immune regulator of inflammation including that of asthma. Further in-vivo studies will better establish the beneficial effect of sema3A in regulating inflammation in asthma. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.