Growth factors regulate proteinase activated receptor – 2 (PAR-2) on airway epithelium

Background Many aeroallergens activate PAR-2 receptors on the airway epithelium. We have shown that PAR-2 activation participates in allergic sensitization and allergic airway inflammation in animal models of asthma. Moreover, PAR-2 is upregulated on the airway epithelium of asthmatics, but the mechanisms and factors responsible are unknown. As asthmatic airways are under various types of physiological stress, we hypothesized that cellular stress upregulates PAR-2 on airway epithelium and this upregulation is functional. Methods