Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
10:39
Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy
Published on: April 16, 2019
Targeting IgE in asthma
Kristin Kuhl1, Nicola A Hanania
1Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|December 6, 2011
Summary
Targeting immunoglobulin E (IgE) with omalizumab improves outcomes for moderate-to-severe allergic asthma. This therapy offers long-term efficacy and safety, highlighting IgE’s crucial role in allergic inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is central to acute allergic asthma responses and airway inflammation.
- Targeting IgE function offers potential therapeutic benefits for allergic asthma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review the role of IgE in asthma pathogenesis.
- Update on therapeutic implications of targeting IgE in severe allergic asthma.
- Outline future research needs in IgE-targeted asthma therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized clinical trials and real-world observational studies.
- Analysis of pooled data from clinical trials.
- Examination of a large prospective cohort study.
Main Results:
- Omalizumab demonstrates long-term efficacy in improving clinical outcomes for moderate-to-severe allergic asthma when used with standard medications.
- Pooled and cohort data confirm the long-term safety profile of omalizumab.
- Omalizumab exhibits anti-inflammatory effects at various sites of allergic inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Omalizumab's clinical benefits in allergic asthma underscore the critical role of IgE in allergic inflammation.
- Further research is needed to understand omalizumab's long-term effects on asthma's natural history and to identify better response predictors.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms: