Biological modulators in eosinophilic diseases

Abstract

Eosinophils can regulate local and systemic inflammation, and their presence in higher numbers appears to play an important role in the pathology of various atopic and inflammatory diseases. Eosinophil maturation, recruitment, and survival depend on several cytokine regulators, including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-4, and IL-13 as well as growth factors such as GM-CSF. Over the last decade, the approach to treating eosinophilic diseases has changed greatly. A number of biologic modulators have been developed to target eosinophilic inflammatory pathways, and their usage has resulted in variable clinical improvement in the treatment of eosinophilicassociated conditions. Novel targeted therapies that are safe and effective for treating these disorders are being investigated. This review summarizes the clinical use of biologic agents that have been studied in clinical trials or approved for treating eosinophilic diseases.