Histopathological alterations in airways associated with physiological changes in airway allergy phenotypes

Fibrosis and deposition of the β1 integrin subunit in the subepithelial region are associated with baseline obstruction but not with the magnitude of airway obstruction or hyperresponsiveness. In the asthma model, the airway smooth muscle phenotype, characterized by high β1 integrin subunit, could influence contraction and hyperreactivity.