Anti-Interleukin-5 (Mepolizumab) Therapy For Hypereosinophilic Syndromes

hypereosinophilic-syndromes
Interleukin-5 is the key cytokine in eosinophil differentiation and growth in the bone marrow and stimulates the release of eosinophils into the peripheral circulation. Thus, it is thought that IL-5 may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES), a diverse group of poorly treated disorders characterized by sustained peripheral blood and/or tissue eosinophilia. Mepolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody to IL-5, and its safety and efficacy were assessed in this open-labelled trial. (more…)

Airway Vascularity in Asthma

The airway circulation has many potential roles in asthma. The vasculature has a major influence on upper airway patency in nasal infection and atopic responses. Given its responsiveness to provocative stimuli in asthma and vasoconstrictive and antiproliferative response to corticosteroids, the bronchial circulation is likely to be a future target for novel asthma therapies. (more…)