Biologics for Asthma and Risk of Infection: Cause for Concern?

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2019 Aug;39(3):429-445. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2019.03.010.

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies block specific inflammatory pathways involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. These pathways are important in host defense against pathogens, and in particular, against parasites. Despite theoretical concerns about infection risk, biologics seem to have a favorable safety profile. Data from large clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance for these drugs have not shown increases in severe infections, including those from parasitic organisms. This may be due to redundancy of effector cells within the immune system. Certain drugs have special considerations and precautions, and therefore, the prescribing physician should be familiar with product recommendations and warnings.

Keywords: Biologics; Infection risk; Safety; T2 asthma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Asthma / complications
  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Asthma / etiology
  • Biological Products / administration & dosage
  • Biological Products / adverse effects
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Eosinophils / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Infections / etiology*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents
  • Biological Products
  • Immunoglobulin E