CEACAM6-high airway neutrophils and epithelial cells are a feature of severe asthma

<b>Background:</b> Understanding the pathophysiology of severe asthma is essential for the development of novel therapies. Carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM) family members are expressed in healthy lung tissue, and have properties that suggest they may play a role in asthma pathophysiology. <b>Objective:</b> To explore the gene expression, tissue distribution and cellular provenance of CEACAM6 in asthma. <b>Methods:</b> CEACAM6 gene and protein expression were investigated using RNA microarrays and immunohistochemistry respectively on bronchial biopsy tissue obtained from healthy control subjects, and patients with asthma. Soluble CEACAM6 was measured in sputum and blood by ELISA. <b>Results:</b><i>CEACAM6</i> gene expression in bronchial biopsies was increased in severe asthma and was not related to expression of a Th2 gene signature. CEACAM6 protein expression was…