Palikhe NS, Gandhi VD, Wu Y, et al. - Among persons with increased airway inflammation, either as a consequence of an asthma exacerbation or following an inhalation allergen challenge, this investigation was conducted to ascertain protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2: a proinflammatory serine protease receptor) expression on peripheral blood intermediate monocytes (IMMo). Patients with an asthma exacerbation, vs those with stable disease, were found to have increased PAR-2 expression in peripheral blood IMMo, but reduction in this expression was evident post-treatment of asthma exacerbation. An increment in percentages of IMMo expressing PAR-2, following an allergen challenge, was noted in participants with mild asthma. According to findings, elevated PAR-2 expression on monocytes during periods of increased airway inflammation may commence a positive feedback loop resulting in systemic inflammatory alterations.