Function and mechanisms of TSLP/TSLPR complex in asthma and COPD

Abstract Thymic stromal lymphopoietin ( TSLP ) is a key pro‐allergic cytokine that has recently been linked to chronic airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ). High levels of TSLP were detected in bronchial mucosa of asthma and COPD patients suggesting TSLP 's biological role beyond a signature ‘Th2‐favoring’ or ‘pro‐allergic cytokine’. Besides inflammatory cells, airway structural cells produce and are targets of TSLP suggesting a potential autocrine loop that may have a profound effect on local inflammatory response and airway remodelling. This review sums up diverse mechanisms that mediate TSLP / TSLP receptor ‐signalling network in chronic airway diseases.