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Targeting tumour necrosis factor-alpha in corticosteroid-dependent asthma
1Clinic of Pulmonary Disease, 700115 Iasi, Romania. sabinaantoniu@excite.com
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|May 19, 2006
Summary
Severe asthma may involve neutrophils and TNF-alpha, impacting corticosteroid effectiveness. Etanercept, a TNF-alpha blocker, is explored as a potential alternative therapy for difficult-to-treat asthma cases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology and Immunology
- Inflammatory Airway Diseases
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation causing bronchospasm, typically eosinophil-driven.
- Severe asthma involves neutrophils and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), contributing to inflammation and reduced corticosteroid sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore alternative therapeutic strategies for severe or difficult-to-treat asthma.
- To investigate the potential role of etanercept, a TNF-alpha blocking agent, in managing severe asthma.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on asthma pathogenesis and treatment.
- Analysis of the role of neutrophils and TNF-alpha in severe asthma.
- Evaluation of etanercept as a potential therapeutic option.
Main Results:
- Standard therapies like short-acting beta2-agonists and inhaled corticosteroids can be ineffective in severe asthma.
- Neutrophils and TNF-alpha are implicated in severe asthma's inflammatory processes and corticosteroid resistance.
- Etanercept shows potential as an alternative treatment, pending supportive safety and efficacy data.
Conclusions:
- Current asthma treatments may fail in severe, persistent, or difficult-to-treat cases.
- Targeting TNF-alpha with agents like etanercept warrants further investigation for severe asthma management.
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