The present invention relates to methods of asthma treatment and prevention using αvβ6 antagonists, such as αvβ6-binding antibodies. In particular, the invention relates to the discovery of a correlation between reduced expression of αvβ6 and the protection from the increase in airway sensitivity seen in chronic allergen-challenged mice. This protection is associated with protection from the usual allergen-induced increase in airway epithelial mast cells.
