Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026
03:23
Author Spotlight: Investigating the Pathophysiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Published on: May 10, 2024
1.3K
Targeting Eosinophils in Asthmatic Inflammation: Benefits and Drawbacks
1Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0635, USA.
Journal of Inflammation Research
|September 15, 2025
Summary
Novel biologics targeting IL-5 or its receptor effectively reduce eosinophils in severe asthma, significantly lowering exacerbations and improving quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Severe asthma is linked to eosinophilic airway inflammation, impacting patient outcomes.
- Interleukin-5 (IL-5) plays a crucial role in eosinophil development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific rationale and clinical development of therapeutics targeting IL-5 or the IL-5α receptor.
- To assess the efficacy of these biologics in managing severe asthma with eosinophilic inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Development of humanized IgG antibodies targeting IL-5 or the IL-5α receptor.
- Clinical trials evaluating biologics like mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab.
Main Results:
- Three biologics (mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab) are available, targeting either IL-5 or its receptor.
- These therapies significantly deplete eosinophils and reduce asthma exacerbations by approximately 50% with minimal side effects.
- Studies indicate improvements in quality of life and lung function.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophil-targeted biologics represent a significant advancement in treating severe asthma with eosinophilic inflammation.
- Further head-to-head studies are needed to compare the profiles of existing biologics.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
1.7K
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...
1.7K
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
1.8K
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:
1.8K
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
4.1K
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:
4.1K
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
1.1K
Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
1.1K
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
1.2K
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.2K
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
1.5K
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...
1.5K