Figure 1.

Preventive strategies and disease-modifying therapies for asthma. The immune system and lung structure pathobiology in asthma arise from developmental pathways and exposures. Asthma exacerbations and progressive decline of lung function are morbid outcomes for asthma. Standard treatment is focused on reversing bronchoconstriction with β-adrenergic agonists (relievers) and treating inflammation with corticosteroids (long-term controllers) to alleviate the downstream signs and symptoms of asthma. Disease-modifying asthma therapies target upstream effectors and mechanisms underlying asthma pathobiology. Preventive strategies require understanding of the critical windows of environmental exposures over the life-course and the personal biological predispositions that put individuals at risk for development of asthma or its progression.