Recent studies have demonstrated an effect of neurotrophins, particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), on airway contractility [ via increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) intracellular calcium [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub>] and remodeling (ASM proliferation and extracellular matrix formation) in the context of airway disease.
In the recent years numerous studies have analysed the effects of neurotrophins on allergic inflammation in airway diseases reporting increased neurotrophin levels locally in the airways as well as in serum of asthmatic patients.