Genetics of airway hyperresponsiveness

Asthma is a disease characterized by intermittent airway obstruction, infla mmatory cell infiltrates, increased mucus production, lung epithelial remod eling, and airway hyperreactivity. The genetics of asthma, as investigated in animal models, is poorly understood. Because no animal model of asthma m imics all of the pathologic and physiological features of asthma, genetic s tudies have focused on several phenotypes, including intrinsic or native ai rway hyperreactivity. It is generally accepted that both genetic and enviro nmental factors determine the phenotypic expression of this complex disease . The genetics of airway hyperresponsiveness, as investigated in the mouse, are presented in this review. The inbred mouse currently represents the mo st valuable genetic resource for understanding the factors that control thi s complex phenotype.