Interleukin-5 pathway inhibition in the treatment of eosinophilic respiratory disorders: evidence and unmet needs.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Human eosinophils were first identified and named by Paul Ehrlich in 1879 on the basis of the cell's granular uptake of eosin. Although eosinophils represent approximately 1% of peripheral blood leukocytes, they have the propensity to leave the blood stream and migrate into inflamed tissues. Eosinophils and their mediators are critical effectors to asthma and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Eosinophils are equipped with a large number of cell-surface receptors and produce specific cytokines and chemokines.

Recent findings

Eosinophils are the major source of interleukin-5 and highly express the interleukin-5Rα on their surface. Clinical trials evaluating monoclonal antibodies to interleukin-5 (mepolizumab and reslizumab) and its recepto

SUBMITTER: Varricchi G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4768650 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature