Proteases at the cutting edge of respiratory disease
Hot topicsChairs: A. Walls (Southampton, United Kingdom), M. Tunon De Lara (Bordeaux, France)
Aims: The purpose of this session is to review striking new evidence that proteases play key roles in the provocation and control of inflammation and tissue remodelling: Speakers will:
- describe how proteases secreted by mast cells, epithelial cells and other cell types may represent major mediators of lung disease;
- examine how recent studies of genetic linkage are implicating proteases in conditions associated with altered airways function;
- consider the extent to which protease-activated receptors may regulate disease processes;
- assess the potential of proteases and their receptors as new targets for therapeutic intervention.