Ovarian hormones and obesity drive Th17-mediated airway inflammation through estrogen receptor-α signaling

American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Emely Henriquez Pilier, Jacqueline-Yvonne Cephus, Shelby N Kuehnle, Elie Tannous, Alessandra Tomasello, Kaitlin E McKernan, R. Stokes Peebles, Katherine N. Cahill, Jeffrey C. Rathmell, Dawn C. Newcomb
DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00400.2025
Cited by: 2
References: 20

Abstract

Estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) signaling increased obesity and allergen-induced airway inflammation in mice. In addition, women with obesity and asthma had increased circulating Th17 cells compared with men with obesity and asthma. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the intersection of obesity, sex hormones, and airway inflammation-underscoring the importance of personalized approaches to managing individuals with obesity and asthma.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Asthma and respiratory diseases IL-33 ST2 and ILC Pathways Adipokines Inflammation and Metabolic Diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
4
Pages
L267–L273
Publication date
13 February 2026
Language
EN