What immune cell activity leads to the exaggerated immune response found in asthma?

The exaggerated immune response in asthma is primarily driven by mast cells releasing histamine. In individuals with asthma, mast cells become activated in response to allergens or irritants, leading to the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This release causes symptoms such as bronchoconstriction, increased mucus production, and airway inflammation, all of which contribute to the characteristic breathing difficulties associated with asthma.

Mast cells play a crucial role in the asthmatic response, as their degranulation leads to immediate hypersensitivity reactions, which are a hallmark of asthma. The histamine that is released acts on various receptors in the airways, resulting in the constriction of smooth muscles and the swelling of airway tissues. This chain of events significantly exacerbates the asthma condition.

While the activities of other immune cells, like neutrophils, B-cells, and T-cells, can contribute to the overall inflammatory process in asthma, the mast cell's release of histamine is central to the immediate responses that characterize an asthma attack.