An inflammation-independent contraction mechanophenotype of airway smooth muscle in asthma

Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and bronchial obstruction due to airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction. However, the underlying basis of the ASM hypercontractile state in asthma is not known. It remains equally unclear whether ASM from those with asthma has an intrinsic (genetic or epigenetic) property of increased basal tone and enhanced contractile responses.1-5 Furthermore, current dogma suggests that any altered mechanical property of the smooth muscle, if it exists in the disease, is from airway inflammation.