IL‐4/IL‐13 pathway in nasal type 2 inflammation: The central role and targeted therapy

Abstract

Type 2 dominant inflammation in nasal mucosa is the key underlying pathophysiological mechanism of allergic rhinitis (AR) and most presentations of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IL‐13 share common receptor subunits and signaling molecules, which lead to various pathological changes in different cells, playing key roles in the pathogenesis of nasal type 2 inflammation. Numerous clinical trials have shown that biologics targeting key molecules of the IL‐4/IL‐13 pathway, especially IL‐4 receptor alpha, can treat CRSwNP and AR with high efficacy, and are generally well tolerated. Several biologics have been approved for the treatment of difficult‐to‐control CRSwNP, while others also show promising results. Here, we review the IL‐4/IL‐13 pathway, its role in nasal type 2 inflammation, and current targeted therapies related to the IL‐4/IL‐13 pathway, with a focus on AR and CRSwNP.