Periostin: a novel component of subepithelial fibrosis of bronchial asthma downstream of IL-4 and IL-13 signals
BACKGROUND: Subepithelial fibrosis is a cardinal feature of bronchial asthma. Collagen I,
III, and V; fibronectin; and tenascin-C are deposited in the lamina reticularis. Extensive
evidence supports the pivotal role of IL-4 and IL-13 in subepithelial fibrosis; however, the
precise mechanism remains unclear. We have previously identified the POSTN gene
encoding periostin as an IL-4/IL-13–inducible gene in bronchial epithelial cells. Periostin is
thought to be an adhesion molecule because it possesses 4 fasciclin I domains …
III, and V; fibronectin; and tenascin-C are deposited in the lamina reticularis. Extensive
evidence supports the pivotal role of IL-4 and IL-13 in subepithelial fibrosis; however, the
precise mechanism remains unclear. We have previously identified the POSTN gene
encoding periostin as an IL-4/IL-13–inducible gene in bronchial epithelial cells. Periostin is
thought to be an adhesion molecule because it possesses 4 fasciclin I domains …