Nitric oxide-scavenging micelles alleviate airway inflammation in asthma via Th2 cytokine modulation†

Abstract

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Nitric oxide (NO), a key molecule in this inflammation, is elevated in asthma and contributes to poor control and worsened symptoms. In this study, we developed nitric oxide-scavenging micelles (NOSMs) to reduce NO concentration and alleviate pulmonary inflammation in an allergic mouse model. NOSMs effectively lower airway NO levels, significantly inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-13, and promote the release of IFN-γ. Thus, NOSMs may play a key role in treating allergic asthma by scavenging NO and modulating Th2-related pulmonary inflammation.