Biologics for the Treatment of Allergic Conditions: Eosinophil Disorders

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2020 Nov;40(4):649-665. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2020.07.001. Epub 2020 Sep 12.

Abstract

Eosinophil-associated diseases are characterized by a common pathogenetic background, represented by eosinophil-led inflammation and overexpression of interleukin (IL)-5. IL-5 and its receptor are excellent therapeutic targets for eosinophil-associated diseases. Three monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-5 currently are available: mepolizumab and reslizumab block circulating IL-5 preventing the binding to its receptor, whereas benralizumab binds to IL-5 receptor α. They have a steroid-sparing effect in eosinophil disorders, such as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, hypereosinophilic syndrome, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia. The biotechnological drugs targeting IL-5 are promising therapies; however, further studies are needed.

Keywords: ABPA; Biologics; CEP; EGPA; EoE; Eosinophils; HES; IL-5.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Products / pharmacology
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Eosinophilia / blood
  • Eosinophilia / diagnosis
  • Eosinophilia / drug therapy*
  • Eosinophilia / immunology
  • Eosinophils / drug effects*
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Eosinophils / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-5 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Interleukin-5 / metabolism
  • Receptors, Interleukin-5 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Interleukin-5 / metabolism
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • IL5 protein, human
  • Interleukin-5
  • Receptors, Interleukin-5