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Mohammad Taheri M, Javan F, Poudineh M, Athari SS. Beyond CAR-T: The rise of CAR-NK cell therapy in asthma immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:736. [PMID: 39103889 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05534-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma poses a major public health burden. While existing asthma drugs manage symptoms for many, some patients remain resistant. The lack of a cure, especially for severe asthma, compels exploration of novel therapies. Cancer immunotherapy successes with CAR-T cells suggest its potential for asthma treatment. Researchers are exploring various approaches for allergic diseases including membrane-bound IgE, IL-5, PD-L2, and CTLA-4 for asthma, and Dectin-1 for fungal asthma. NK cells offer several advantages over T cells for CAR-based immunotherapy. They offer key benefits: (1) HLA compatibility, meaning they can be used in a wider range of patients without the need for matching tissue types. (2) Minimal side effects (CRS and GVHD) due to their limited persistence and cytokine profile. (3) Scalability for "off-the-shelf" production from various sources. Several strategies have been introduced that highlight the superiority and challenges of CAR-NK cell therapy for asthma treatment including IL-10, IFN-γ, ADCC, perforin-granzyme, FASL, KIR, NCRs (NKP46), DAP, DNAM-1, TGF-β, TNF-α, CCL, NKG2A, TF, and EGFR. Furthermore, we advocate for incorporating AI for CAR design optimization and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology for precise gene manipulation to generate highly effective CAR constructs. This review will delve into the evolution and production of CAR designs, explore pre-clinical and clinical studies of CAR-based therapies in asthma, analyze strategies to optimize CAR-NK cell function, conduct a comparative analysis of CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapy with their respective challenges, and finally present established novel CAR designs with promising potential for asthma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Javan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Poudineh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyed Shamseddin Athari
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, 12th Street, Shahrake Karmandan, Zanjan, 45139-561111, Iran.
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Pelaia C, Melhorn J, Hinks TS, Couillard S, Vatrella A, Pelaia G, Pavord ID. Type 2 severe asthma: pathophysiology and treatment with biologics. Expert Rev Respir Med 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38994712 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2024.2380072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The hallmark of most patients with severe asthma is type 2 inflammation, driven by innate and adaptive immune responses leading to either allergic or non-allergic eosinophilic infiltration of airways. The cellular and molecular pathways underlying severe type 2 asthma can be successfully targeted by specific monoclonal antibodies. AREAS COVERED This review article provides a concise overview of the pathophysiology of type 2 asthma, followed by an updated appraisal of the mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy of currently available biologic treatments used for management of severe type 2 asthma. Therefore, all reported information arises from a wide literature search performed on PubMed. EXPERT OPINION The main result of the recent advances in the field of anti-asthma biologic therapies is the implementation of a personalized medicine approach, aimed to achieve clinical remission of severe asthma. Today this accomplishment is made possible by the right choice of the most beneficial biologic drug for the pathologic traits characterizing each patient, including type 2 severe asthma and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy
| | - James Melhorn
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Timothy Sc Hinks
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Couillard
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ian D Pavord
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Lombardi C, Comberiati P, Ridolo E, Cottini M, Yacoub MR, Casagrande S, Riccò M, Bottazzoli M, Berti A. Anti-IL-5 Pathway Agents in Eosinophilic-Associated Disorders Across the Lifespan. Drugs 2024; 84:661-684. [PMID: 38849701 PMCID: PMC11196311 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-024-02037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting interleukin (IL)-5 pathways have revolutionized the treatment expectations for eosinophilic-associated conditions, particularly in patients with respiratory involvement. Mepolizumab (IL-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody), benralizumab (IL-5 receptor blocker monoclonal antibody), and reslizumab (IL-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody) have collectively contributed to the overall improvement of the disease burden in various conditions. Eosinophilic asthma currently boasts the most robust evidence across all age groups: all three biologics are approved for adults (aged ≥18 years); mepolizumab is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) also in children (aged ≥ 6 years), while bernalizumab was recently approved by the FDA for patients aged ≥6 years in the USA. In chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, subcutaneous mepolizumab is the only anti-IL-5 therapy approved so far and can be used in adult patients (aged ≥18 years). For eosinophilic esophagitis, conflicting evidence surrounds both mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab, leading to non-approval of these agents by the FDA/EMA. Recently, mepolizumab was approved for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients aged ≥6 years or older and for hypereosinophilic syndrome adult patients. A phase III trial proving noninferiority of benralizumab versus mepolizumab in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis has been recently published, while evidence on reslizumab is scant. Overall, current evidence on anti-IL-5 biologics for eosinophilic-associated disorders is mostly focused on adults, whereas data for individuals aged under 18 years and over 65 years are scarce, resulting in a lack of evidence, particularly regarding efficacy, for the use of anti-IL-5 agents in these specific patient populations. This review addresses high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials and real-world post-marketing studies regarding the use of anti-IL-5 therapies for eosinophilic-associated disorders across all age groups, spanning childhood, adulthood, and older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Lombardi
- Departmental Unit of Allergology, Immunology and Pulmonary Diseases, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Comberiati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Paediatrics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Erminia Ridolo
- Allergology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Mona Rita Yacoub
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Casagrande
- Neurology Unit, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Matteo Riccò
- Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Local Health Unit of Reggio Emilia, 42122, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Alvise Berti
- Center for Medical Sciences (CISMed) and Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
- Unit of Rheumatology, Santa Chiara Regional Hospital, APSS, Trento, Italy.
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Liu X, Han J, Wang Q, Wang P, Li L, Du K, Jiang F, Zhang P, Liu H, Huang J. Development of a novel humanized anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody HZ-1127 with anti-allergic diseases and cancer potential. Antib Ther 2024; 7:123-130. [PMID: 38566968 PMCID: PMC10983073 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a member of the IL-2 cytokine family and has been widely recognized as a master regulator of type 2 inflammatory responses at barrier surfaces. Recent studies found dysregulation of the TSLP-TSLP receptor (TSLPR) pathway is associated with the pathogenesis of not only allergic diseases but also a wide variety of cancers including both solid tumors and hematological tumors. Thus, the blockade of TSLP represents an attractive therapeutic strategy for allergic diseases and cancer. In this study, we report the development of a novel humanized anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody (mAb) HZ-1127. Binding affinity, specificity, and ability of HZ-1127 in inhibiting TSLP were tested. HZ-1127 selectively binds to the TSLP cytokine with high affinity and specificity. Furthermore, HZ-1127 dramatically inhibits TSLP-dependent STAT5 activation and is more potent than Tezepelumab, which is an FDA-approved humanized mAb against TSLP for severe asthma treatment in inhibiting TSLP-induced CCL17 and CCL22 chemokines secretion in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our pre-clinical study demonstrates that HZ-1127 may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for allergic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Liu
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Jianzhong Han
- Department of Research, Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Research, IPHASE Therapeutic Ltd., 422 Industrial Dr. North Wales, PA 19454, USA
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Research, Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Li Li
- Department of Research, IPHASE Therapeutic Ltd., 422 Industrial Dr. North Wales, PA 19454, USA
| | - Kehe Du
- Department of Research, IPHASE Therapeutic Ltd., 422 Industrial Dr. North Wales, PA 19454, USA
| | - Fengchao Jiang
- Department of Research, IPHASE Therapeutic Ltd., 422 Industrial Dr. North Wales, PA 19454, USA
| | - Pei Zhang
- Department of Research, IPHASE Therapeutic Ltd., 422 Industrial Dr. North Wales, PA 19454, USA
| | - Hongjun Liu
- Department of Research, IPHASE Therapeutic Ltd., 422 Industrial Dr. North Wales, PA 19454, USA
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Research, Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 403 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
- Department of Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, 303 Cooper St, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
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Yu ZN, Fan YJ, Nguyen TV, Piao CH, Lee B, Lee S, Shin HS, Song CH, Chai OH. Undaria pinnatifida ameliorates nasal inflammation by inhibiting eosinophil and mast cell activation and modulating the NF-κB/MAPKs signaling pathway. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1215. [PMID: 38488697 PMCID: PMC10941681 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most prevalent form of atopic disease. Undaria pinnatifida has potent antioxidative, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. AIMS We investigated the immunomodulatory effect of Undaria pinnatifida extract (UPE) on allergic inflammation in an AR mouse model. MATERIALS & METHODS Mice were sensitized and intranasally challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg-related cytokines and histopathology were exanimated after UPE treatments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed using serum samples and NALF to detect OVA-specific immunoglobulins and inflammatory cytokines. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were measured by western blotting analysis, and an in vitro study measured mast cell activation induced by compound 48/80. RESULTS After UPE treatment, nasal and lung allergy symptoms, nasal mucosal swelling, and goblet cell hyperplasia were ameliorated. Oral UPE regulated the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cell differentiation in AR mice in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, UPE attenuated the migration of eosinophils and mast cells to the nasal mucosa by suppressing nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/MAPKs. The levels of anti-OVA IgE and IgG1 were also decreased. DISCUSSION UPE inhibited inflammation by regulating the NF-κB/MAPKs signaling pathway and supressing the activation of critical immune cells such as eosinophils and mast cells. CONCLUSION UPE may have therapeutic potential for AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Nan Yu
- Department of AnatomyJeonbuk National University Medical SchoolJeonjuSouth Korea
| | - Yan Jing Fan
- Department of AnatomyJeonbuk National University Medical SchoolJeonjuSouth Korea
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of MedicineLiaocheng UniversityLiaochengShandongChina
| | - Thi Van Nguyen
- Department of AnatomyJeonbuk National University Medical SchoolJeonjuSouth Korea
| | - Chun Hua Piao
- Department of AnatomyJeonbuk National University Medical SchoolJeonjuSouth Korea
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineYantai Yuhuangding HospitalYantaiChina
| | - Byung‐Hoo Lee
- Department of Food Science and BiotechnologyGachon UniversitySeongnamSouth Korea
| | - So‐Young Lee
- Division of Food Functionality ResearchKorea Food Research InstituteWanjuSouth Korea
- Division of Food Biotechnology ProgramKorea University of Science and TechnologyDaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Hee Soon Shin
- Division of Food Functionality ResearchKorea Food Research InstituteWanjuSouth Korea
- Division of Food Biotechnology ProgramKorea University of Science and TechnologyDaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Chang Ho Song
- Department of AnatomyJeonbuk National University Medical SchoolJeonjuSouth Korea
- Institute for Medical SciencesJeonbuk National UniversityJeonjuSouth Korea
| | - Ok Hee Chai
- Department of AnatomyJeonbuk National University Medical SchoolJeonjuSouth Korea
- Institute for Medical SciencesJeonbuk National UniversityJeonjuSouth Korea
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Chen S, Zhao T, Xie S, Wan X. Epithelial IL5RA promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pulmonary fibrosis via Jak2/STAT3 cascade. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2024; 84:102286. [PMID: 38191068 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2024.102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and debilitating lung disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components within the lung parenchyma. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely elusive, and the treatment options available for pulmonary fibrosis are limited. Interleukin 5 receptor, alpha (IL5RA) is a well-established regulator of eosinophil activation, involved in eosinophil-mediated anti-parasitic activities and allergic reactions. Recent studies have indicated additional roles of IL5RA in lung epithelium and fibroblasts. Nevertheless, its involvement in pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. In present study, we employed single-cell analyses alongside molecular and cellular assays to unveil the expression of IL5RA in lung epithelial cells. Moreover, using both in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrated a notable upregulation of epithelial IL5RA during the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. This upregulated IL5RA expression subsequently promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), leading to the generation of mesenchymal phenotype with augmented capability for ECM production. Importantly, our findings uncovered that the pro-fibrotic function of IL5RA is mediated by Jak2/STAT3 signaling cascades. Inhibiting IL5RA has the potential to deactivate Jak2/STAT3 and suppress the downstream EMT process and ECM production, thereby offering a promising therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyun Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Shiguang Xie
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Xuan Wan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China.
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Ridolo E, Barone A, Ottoni M, Peveri S, Montagni M, Nicoletta F. The New Therapeutic Frontiers in the Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Biological Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1702. [PMID: 38338983 PMCID: PMC10855546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a multifaceted disease characterized by a wide heterogeneity of clinical manifestations, endoscopic and histopathologic patterns, and responsiveness to therapy. From the perspective of an effective approach to the patient, the different inflammatory mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of EoE and biologics, in particular monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), targeting these pathways are needed. Currently, the most relevant is dupilumab, which interferes with both interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 pathways by binding IL-4 receptor α, and is the only mAb approved by the European Medicine Agency and US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of EoE. Other mAbs investigated include mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab (interfering with IL-5 axis), cendakimab and dectrekumab (anti-IL-13s), tezepelumab (anti-TSLP), lirentelimab (anti-SIGLEG-8), and many others. Despite the undeniable economic impact of biologic therapies, in the near future, there will be room for further reflection about the opportunity to prescribe biologic agents, not only as a last-line therapy in selected cases such as patients with comorbidities involving common pathways. Although recent findings are very encouraging, the road to permanent success in the treatment of EoE is still long, and further studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of mAbs and to discover new potential targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erminia Ridolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Ottoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Peveri
- Departmental Unit of Allergology, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marcello Montagni
- Departmental Unit of Allergology, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy
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Chen CY, Wu KH, Guo BC, Lin WY, Chang YJ, Wei CW, Lin MJ, Wu HP. Personalized Medicine in Severe Asthma: From Biomarkers to Biologics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:182. [PMID: 38203353 PMCID: PMC10778979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe asthma is a complex and heterogeneous clinical condition presented as chronic inflammation of the airways. Conventional treatments are mainly focused on symptom control; however, there has been a shift towards personalized medicine. Identification of different phenotypes driven by complex pathobiological mechanisms (endotypes), especially those driven by type-2 (T2) inflammation, has led to improved treatment outcomes. Combining biomarkers with T2-targeting monoclonal antibodies is crucial for developing personalized treatment strategies. Several biological agents, including anti-immunoglobulin E, anti-interleukin-5, and anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin/interleukin-4, have been approved for the treatment of severe asthma. These biological therapies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing asthma exacerbations, lowering eosinophil count, improving lung function, diminishing oral corticosteroid use, and improving the quality of life in selected patients. Severe asthma management is undergoing a profound transformation with the introduction of ongoing and future biological therapies. The availability of novel treatment options has facilitated the adoption of phenotype/endotype-specific approaches and disappearance of generic interventions. The transition towards precision medicine plays a crucial role in meticulously addressing the individual traits of asthma pathobiology. An era of tailored strategies has emerged, allowing for the successful targeting of immune-inflammatory responses that underlie uncontrolled T2-high asthma. These personalized approaches hold great promise for improving the overall efficacy and outcomes in the management of severe asthma. This article comprehensively reviews currently available biological agents and biomarkers for treating severe asthma. With the expanding repertoire of therapeutic options, it is becoming increasingly crucial to comprehend the influencing factors, understand the pathogenesis, and track treatment progress in severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tungs’ Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital, Taichung 435403, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (C.-W.W.)
- Department of Nursing, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli 35664, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Hsi Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Bei-Cyuan Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70403, Taiwan;
| | - Wen-Ya Lin
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veteran General Hospital, Taichung 43503, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Jun Chang
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biostastics, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Wei Wei
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tungs’ Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital, Taichung 435403, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (C.-W.W.)
| | - Mao-Jen Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung 42743, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
| | - Han-Ping Wu
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
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Lepretre F, Gras D, Chanez P, Duez C. Natural killer cells in the lung: potential role in asthma and virus-induced exacerbation? Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:230036. [PMID: 37437915 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0036-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder whose pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms are not completely understood. Asthma exacerbations are mostly driven by respiratory viral infections and characterised by worsening of symptoms. Despite current therapies, asthma exacerbations can still be life-threatening. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells well known for their antiviral activity and are present in the lung as circulating and resident cells. However, their functions in asthma and its exacerbations are still unclear. In this review, we will address NK cell activation and functions, which are particularly relevant for asthma and virus-induced asthma exacerbations. Then, the role of NK cells in the lungs at homeostasis in healthy individuals will be described, as well as their functions during pulmonary viral infections, with an emphasis on those associated with asthma exacerbations. Finally, we will discuss the involvement of NK cells in asthma and virus-induced exacerbations and examine the effect of asthma treatments on NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lepretre
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
| | - Delphine Gras
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Chanez
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
- APHM, Hôpital Nord, Clinique des Bronches, de l'allergie et du sommeil, Marseille, France
| | - Catherine Duez
- Aix-Marseille Université, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
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10
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Nolasco S, Portacci A, Campisi R, Buonamico E, Pelaia C, Benfante A, Triggiani M, Spadaro G, Caiaffa MF, Scioscia G, Detoraki A, Valenti G, Papia F, Tomasello A, Crimi N, Scichilone N, Pelaia G, Carpagnano GE, Crimi C. Effectiveness and safety of anti-IL-5/Rα biologics in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a two-year multicenter observational study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1204444. [PMID: 37457743 PMCID: PMC10349177 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1204444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare vasculitis characterized by asthma, systemic manifestations, and blood and tissue eosinophilia. Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of mepolizumab (anti-IL-5) and benralizumab (anti-IL-5Rα) in EGPA for 24 months. Methods We conducted a multicenter observational study, including patients with EGPA treated with anti-IL-5/Rα biologics in 9 Italian specialized facilities. Systemic disease activity, remission and relapse rate were evaluated from 3 to 24 months after treatment initiation. Respiratory outcomes, hematological parameters, corticosteroid (OCS) and immunosuppressants consumption were also assessed. Results 49 patients with relapsing-refractory EGPA were included [26 (53.1%) benralizumab 30mg, 20 (40.8%) mepolizumab 100mg, 3 (6.1%) mepolizumab 300mg]. Overall, 38.8% and 57.1% achieved remission after 12 and 24 months, respectively (69.2% benralizumab and 43.5% mepolizumab). Lower OCS intake and higher blood eosinophil count at baseline were associated with remission at 24 months. Both biologics exerted beneficial effects on severe asthma outcomes. Indeed, 61.2% (61.5% benralizumab and 60.8% mepolizumab) remained exacerbation-free during treatment. Lung function parameters showed improvements in the overall cohort (all p<0.05), but began to decline from month 12, especially with mepolizumab. Marked reduction in blood eosinophils was registered with mepolizumab (p<0.0001), while benralizumab depleted both eosinophils (p<0.0001) and basophils (p<0.0001). In general, 69.6% (76% benralizumab and 61.9% mepolizumab) of OCS-dependent patients lowered their daily dose by 75%, while 28.3% discontinued these drugs. Immunosuppressants were suspended in 88.2% of cases. Adverse events were reported in 8.2% of patients. Conclusions These real-world data suggest that anti-IL-5/Rα biologics are effective and safe in the long-term as add-on treatments for patients with EGPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Portacci
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Buonamico
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alida Benfante
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Triggiani
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spadaro
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Filomena Caiaffa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Aikaterini Detoraki
- Division of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Complexity University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valenti
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Papia
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tomasello
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicola Scichilone
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Policlinico “G. Rodolico-San Marco” University Hospital, Catania, Italy
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11
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Pelaia C, Pelaia G, Maglio A, Tinello C, Gallelli L, Lombardo N, Terracciano R, Vatrella A. Pathobiology of Type 2 Inflammation in Asthma and Nasal Polyposis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103371. [PMID: 37240477 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma and nasal polyposis often coexist and are frequently intertwined by tight pathogenic links, mainly consisting of the cellular and molecular pathways underpinning type 2 airway inflammation. The latter is characterized by a structural and functional impairment of the epithelial barrier, associated with the eosinophilic infiltration of both the lower and upper airways, which can be driven by either allergic or non-allergic mechanisms. Type 2 inflammatory changes are predominantly due to the biological actions exerted by interleukins 4 (IL-4), 13 (IL-13), and 5 (IL-5), produced by T helper 2 (Th2) lymphocytes and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2). In addition to the above cytokines, other proinflammatory mediators involved in the pathobiology of asthma and nasal polyposis include prostaglandin D2 and cysteinyl leukotrienes. Within this context of 'united airway diseases', nasal polyposis encompasses several nosological entities such as chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Because of the common pathogenic origins of asthma and nasal polyposis, it is not surprising that the more severe forms of both these disorders can be successfully treated by the same biologic drugs, targeting many molecular components (IgE, IL-5 and its receptor, IL-4/IL-13 receptors) of the type 2 inflammatory trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giulia Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angelantonio Maglio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Caterina Tinello
- Pediatrics Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Lombardo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
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12
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Subsets of Eosinophils in Asthma, a Challenge for Precise Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065716. [PMID: 36982789 PMCID: PMC10052006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The existence of eosinophils was documented histopathologically in the first half of the 19th century. However, the term “eosinophils” was first used by Paul Ehrlich in 1878. Since their discovery and description, their existence has been associated with asthma, allergies, and antihelminthic immunity. Eosinophils may also be responsible for various possible tissue pathologies in many eosinophil-associated diseases. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the understanding of the nature of this cell population has undergone a fundamental reassessment, and in 2010, J. J. Lee proposed the concept of “LIAR” (Local Immunity And/or Remodeling/Repair), underlining the extensive immunoregulatory functions of eosinophils in the context of health and disease. It soon became apparent that mature eosinophils (in line with previous morphological studies) are not structurally, functionally, or immunologically homogeneous cell populations. On the contrary, these cells form subtypes characterized by their further development, immunophenotype, sensitivity to growth factors, localization, role and fate in tissues, and contribution to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including asthma. The eosinophil subsets were recently characterized as resident (rEos) and inflammatory (iEos) eosinophils. During the last 20 years, the biological therapy of eosinophil diseases, including asthma, has been significantly revolutionized. Treatment management has been improved through the enhancement of treatment effectiveness and a decrease in the adverse events associated with the formerly ultimately used systemic corticosteroids. However, as we observed from real-life data, the global treatment efficacy is still far from optimal. A fundamental condition, “sine qua non”, for correct treatment management is a thorough evaluation of the inflammatory phenotype of the disease. We believe that a better understanding of eosinophils would lead to more precise diagnostics and classification of asthma subtypes, which could further improve treatment outcomes. The currently validated asthma biomarkers (eosinophil count, production of NO in exhaled breath, and IgE synthesis) are insufficient to unveil super-responders among all severe asthma patients and thus give only a blurred picture of the adepts for treatment. We propose an emerging approach consisting of a more precise characterization of pathogenic eosinophils in terms of the definition of their functional status or subset affiliation by flow cytometry. We believe that the effort to find new eosinophil-associated biomarkers and their rational use in treatment algorithms may ameliorate the response rate to biological therapy in patients with severe asthma.
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13
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Nur Husna SM, Md Shukri N, Tuan Sharif SE, Tan HTT, Mohd Ashari NS, Wong KK. IL-4/IL-13 Axis in Allergic Rhinitis: Elevated Serum Cytokines Levels and Inverse Association With Tight Junction Molecules Expression. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:819772. [PMID: 35372516 PMCID: PMC8969661 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.819772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The IL-4/IL-13 axis is involved in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR). In this study, we investigated the serum cytokines levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-13 in AR patients, and the transcript expression levels of their receptors (i.e. IL4R, IL5RA, IL6R, and IL13RA1) in nasal epithelial cells of AR patients versus non-allergic controls. Nasal epithelial cells and blood samples of non-allergic controls (n = 30) and AR patients (n = 30) were collected to examine mRNA expression and serum cytokines levels, respectively. Bioinformatics analyses of IL-4/IL-13 receptor heterodimer association with tight junction (TJ) and JAK/STAT signaling genes were conducted in a gene expression profiling (GEP) dataset (GSE44037) of AR patients (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 6). Serum IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 or IL-13 levels, and IL13RA1 transcript expression were significantly higher in AR patients compared with non-allergic controls. IL-4 and IL-13 serum levels were positively correlated with IL13RA1 expression in AR patients but not in non-allergic controls. In the GEP dataset (GSE44037), six TJ (CLDN4, CLDN7, CLDN12, CLDN15, TJP1, and TJP2) genes’ expressions were negatively correlated, respectively, with IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1 heterodimeric receptor expression in AR patients and not in control samples. These six TJ genes contributed to the significant enrichment of tight junction Gene Ontology (GO ID: 0070160). Lastly, STATs DNA binding motif analysis showed that each of these TJ genes contains STATs binding consensus sequence within intronic and intergenic regions. Our results suggest that increased IL-4/IL-13 serum cytokines levels may contribute to decreased TJs expression via IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1 heterodimeric receptor in nasal epithelium of AR patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Muhamad Nur Husna
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Norasnieda Md Shukri
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | | | - Hern Tze Tina Tan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Noor Suryani Mohd Ashari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Kah Keng Wong
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Kah Keng Wong,
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14
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Abe Y, Suga Y, Fukushima K, Ohata H, Niitsu T, Nabeshima H, Nagahama Y, Kida H, Kumanogoh A. Advances and Challenges of Antibody Therapeutics for Severe Bronchial Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010083. [PMID: 35008504 PMCID: PMC8744863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a disease that consists of three main components: airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling. Persistent airway inflammation leads to the destruction and degeneration of normal airway tissues, resulting in thickening of the airway wall, decreased reversibility, and increased airway hyperresponsiveness. The progression of irreversible airway narrowing and the associated increase in airway hyperresponsiveness are major factors in severe asthma. This has led to the identification of effective pharmacological targets and the recognition of several biomarkers that enable a more personalized approach to asthma. However, the efficacies of current antibody therapeutics and biomarkers are still unsatisfactory in clinical practice. The establishment of an ideal phenotype classification that will predict the response of antibody treatment is urgently needed. Here, we review recent advancements in antibody therapeutics and novel findings related to the disease process for severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Abe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (Y.A.); (Y.S.); (H.O.); (T.N.); (A.K.)
- Laboratory of Host Defense, World Premier Institute Immunology Frontier Research Center (WPI-IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (H.N.); (Y.N.)
| | - Yasuhiko Suga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (Y.A.); (Y.S.); (H.O.); (T.N.); (A.K.)
| | - Kiyoharu Fukushima
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (Y.A.); (Y.S.); (H.O.); (T.N.); (A.K.)
- Laboratory of Host Defense, World Premier Institute Immunology Frontier Research Center (WPI-IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (H.N.); (Y.N.)
- Department of Host Defense, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases (RIMD), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +81-6-6879-3831
| | - Hayase Ohata
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (Y.A.); (Y.S.); (H.O.); (T.N.); (A.K.)
| | - Takayuki Niitsu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (Y.A.); (Y.S.); (H.O.); (T.N.); (A.K.)
- Laboratory of Host Defense, World Premier Institute Immunology Frontier Research Center (WPI-IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (H.N.); (Y.N.)
| | - Hiroshi Nabeshima
- Laboratory of Host Defense, World Premier Institute Immunology Frontier Research Center (WPI-IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (H.N.); (Y.N.)
- Department of Host Defense, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases (RIMD), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Nagahama
- Laboratory of Host Defense, World Premier Institute Immunology Frontier Research Center (WPI-IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (H.N.); (Y.N.)
- Department of Host Defense, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases (RIMD), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kida
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization, Osaka Toneyama Medical Centre, 5-1-1 Toneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-0852, Japan;
| | - Atsushi Kumanogoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (Y.A.); (Y.S.); (H.O.); (T.N.); (A.K.)
- Department of Immunopathology, World Premier Institute Immunology Frontier Research Center (WPI-IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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15
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Switch from Omalizumab to Benralizumab in Allergic Patients with Severe Eosinophilic Asthma: A Real-Life Experience from Southern Italy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121822. [PMID: 34944638 PMCID: PMC8698313 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. The wide availability of monoclonal antibodies for the add-on therapy of severe asthma currently allows for the personalization of biologic treatment by selecting the most appropriate drug for each patient. However, subjects with overlapping allergic and eosinophilic phenotypes can be often eligible to more than one biologic, so that the first pharmacologic choice can be quite challenging for clinicians. Within such a context, the aim of our real-life investigation was to verify whether allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, not adequately controlled by an initial biologic treatment with omalizumab, could experience better therapeutic results from a pharmacologic shift to benralizumab. Patients and methods. Twenty allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, unsuccessfully treated with omalizumab and then switched to benralizumab, were assessed for at least 1 year in order to detect eventual changes in disease exacerbations, symptom control, oral corticosteroid intake, lung function, and blood eosinophils. Results. In comparison to the previous omalizumab therapy, after 1 year of treatment with benralizumab our patients experienced significant improvements in asthma exacerbation rate (p < 0.01), rescue medication need (p < 0.001), asthma control test (ACT) score (p < 0.05), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (p < 0.05), and blood eosinophil count (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, with respect to the end of omalizumab treatment, the score of sino-nasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) significantly decreased after therapy with benralizumab (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The results of this real-life study suggest that the pharmacologic shift from omalizumab to benralizumab can be a valuable therapeutic approach for allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, not adequately controlled by anti-IgE treatment.
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16
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Al-Ahmad M, Nurkic J, Othman Y, Jusufovic E, Maher A. Severe asthma in Kuwait population: Phenotype-based approach. Respir Med 2021; 187:106586. [PMID: 34474336 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing recognition of marked phenotypic heterogeneity within severe asthma patients. METHODS Severe asthma patients on GINA step 4 or 5 treatment, followed up at Al-Rashed Allergy center Kuwait, were evaluated for: demographics (gender, age, age of asthma onset), comorbidities (allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), obesity), blood biomarkers (total serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE), peripheral eosinophils), and sensitization to inhalants allergens. RESULTS A total of 169 patients were candidates for biological treatment. Patients were divided in two groups based on level of total IgE as a "low" group with IgE<160 IU/ml (n = 55) and "high" group with IgE≥ 160 IU/ml (n = 114). Both groups were further divided in subgroups, "low" and "high", based on absolute number of eosinophils (Eos) in peripheral blood with <300 cells/μl or ≥ 300 cells/μl. Only 10% of patients were in low IgE/low Eos while majority (46%) were in the high IgE/high Eos group. Mean age of patients was 44.1 year with domination of females (n = 123). Majority of patients were obese. AR, CRS and CRSwNP were more common in group with IgE ≥160 IU/ml, while CRS and CRSwNP in group with Eos ≥300 cells/μl. CONCLUSION The majority of severe asthma patients in Kuwait are obese females with adult-onset asthma (>18 years of age) who were allergic with comorbid conditions including AR, CRS and CRSwNP, which correlates well with the level of Eos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Al-Ahmad
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait; Al-Rashed Allergy Center, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.
| | | | | | - Edin Jusufovic
- Medical Faculty, University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Ahmed Maher
- Al-Rashed Allergy Center, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.
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17
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Olsen TC, Promisloff RA, DeCostanzo D, He G, Szema AM. Plausible Role of Asthma Biological Modifiers in the Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Cureus 2021; 13:e16460. [PMID: 34422489 PMCID: PMC8370573 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a T-helper type-2 (Th2/T2) cell-mediated disease characterized by 15 or more eosinophils per high-powered esophageal biopsy microscopy field (eos/hpf), excluding other causes. EoE is often clinically characterized by symptoms such as dysphagia, nausea, food impaction, and chest pain that do not respond to antacids. Two-thirds of patients are unresponsive to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Steroids may be effective but pose long-term health risks and can lose efficacy in patients with serum eosinophilia greater than 1,500 cells/µL. Because EoE is not IgE-mediated, allergy skin testing for food may benefit a subset of patients. These therapies have shortcomings, which necessitate further investigation. Herein, we report a patient successfully treated with benralizumab (anti-IL-5Rα), demonstrating a potential solution to the lack of effective treatments for EoE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Olsen
- School of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, USA
| | | | | | - Gang He
- Pathology, North Shore Digestive Medicine, Smithtown, USA
| | - Anthony M Szema
- Allergy and Immunology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra / Northwell, Hempstead, USA
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18
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Nolasco S, Crimi C, Pelaia C, Benfante A, Caiaffa MF, Calabrese C, Carpagnano GE, Ciotta D, D'Amato M, Macchia L, Pelaia G, Pellegrino S, Scichilone N, Scioscia G, Spadaro G, Campisi R, Valenti G, Vatrella A, Crimi N. Benralizumab Effectiveness in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma with and without Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: A Real-World Multicenter Study. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:4371-4380.e4. [PMID: 34419679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) affects around 60% of patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA). Benralizumab was recently approved for SEA add-on treatment. OBJECTIVE To assess the real-world effectiveness of benralizumab in SEA with or without CRSwNP. METHODS We conducted a multicenter observational study, including patients with SEA treated with benralizumab for 24 weeks in 12 Italian specialized facilities. Asthma exacerbations, Asthma Control Test (ACT), lung function, oral corticosteroid (OCS) dosage, and eosinophil and basophil count in peripheral blood were recorded at baseline and after 4, 12, and 24 weeks. The 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and Lund-Mackay scores were assessed at baseline and after 24 weeks in SEA+CRSwNP. RESULTS A total of 137 patients with late-onset SEA were included; 57.7% (79 of 137) showed the copresence of CRSwNP. Overall, severe asthma exacerbations decreased from 4 (3-6) to 0 (0-2) (P < .0001) after 24 weeks of treatment, and significant improvements were observed as early as 4 weeks in ACT score, OCS dosage, forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1)%, FEV1 (L), forced vital capacity (FVC)%, FEV1/FVC% (P < .0001), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF25-75)% (P = .0022). Eosinophils and basophils in peripheral blood were rapidly depleted. In patients with SEA+CRSwNP, SNOT-22 decreased from 46 (39.5-64.5) to 32 (19-46) (P < .0001). Furthermore, in comparison with SEA, they showed enhanced responses with regard to ACT minimal clinically important difference (P = .0387), FEV1% (P = .017), FEV1 (L) (P = .02), and FEF25-75% (P = .0362). CONCLUSIONS These real-world data suggest that benralizumab can represent a valid add-on therapeutic option for patients with SEA, especially with comorbid CRSwNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco", Catania, Italy.
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alida Benfante
- PROMISE Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Cecilia Calabrese
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Respiratory Medicine Section, Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Ciotta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria D'Amato
- Respiratory Department, Division of Respiratory Diseases, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Macchia
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School and Chair of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simona Pellegrino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spadaro
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco", Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valenti
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Respiratory Medicine Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco", Catania, Italy
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19
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Morgenstern-Kaplan D, Vasquez-Echeverri E, Carrillo-Martin I, Chiarella SE, Gonzalez-Estrada A. Cytokine-release hypersensitivity reaction after the first dose of benralizumab for severe eosinophilic asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2021; 127:701-702. [PMID: 34391900 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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20
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Lombardo N, Pelaia C, Ciriolo M, Della Corte M, Piazzetta G, Lobello N, Viola P, Pelaia G. Real-life effects of benralizumab on allergic chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyposis associated with severe asthma. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2021; 34:2058738420950851. [PMID: 32816558 PMCID: PMC7444098 DOI: 10.1177/2058738420950851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study has been to evaluate the efficacy of the IL-5 receptor blocker benralizumab on chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), associated with severe eosinophilic allergic asthma. Ten patients with severe eosinophilic allergic asthma and CRSwNP were enrolled. Sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22), numerical rating scale (NRS), endoscopic nasal polyp score, Lund Mackey CT (computed tomography) score, and blood eosinophil count were measured at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment with benralizumab. All the above clinical, endoscopic, imaging, and hematological parameters significantly improved after 24 weeks of treatment with benralizumab. In particular, SNOT-22 decreased from 61.10 ± 17.20 to 26.30 ± 19.74 (P < 0.001), NRS decreased from 7.20 ± 1.55 to 3.40 ± 2.22 (P < 0.001), the endoscopic polyp nasal score decreased from 4.20 ± 1.32 to 2.50 ± 1.78 (P < 0.001), the Lund-Mackay CT score decreased from 16.60 ± 5.50 to 6.90 ± 5.99 (P < 0.001), and blood eosinophil count decreased from 807.3 ± 271.1 cells/μL to 0 cells/μL (P < 0.0001). These results strongly suggest that benralizumab exerted a very effective therapeutic action on CRSwNP associated with severe asthma, thus improving nasal symptoms and decreasing polyp size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lombardo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Ciriolo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marcello Della Corte
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanna Piazzetta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nadia Lobello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pasquale Viola
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Pelaia C, Pelaia G, Crimi C, Maglio A, Gallelli L, Terracciano R, Vatrella A. Tezepelumab: A Potential New Biological Therapy for Severe Refractory Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094369. [PMID: 33922072 PMCID: PMC8122263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an innate cytokine, belonging to the group of alarmins, which plays a key pathogenic role in asthma by acting as an upstream activator of cellular and molecular pathways leading to type 2 (T2-high) airway inflammation. Released from airway epithelial cells upon tissue damage induced by several noxious agents including allergens, viruses, bacteria, and airborne pollutants, TSLP activates dendritic cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells involved in the pathobiology of T2-high asthma. Tezepelumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to TSLP, thereby preventing its interaction with the TSLP receptor complex. Preliminary results of randomized clinical trials suggest that tezepelumab is characterized by a good safety and efficacy profile in patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0961-3647007; Fax: +39-0961-3647193
| | - Giulia Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy;
| | - Angelantonio Maglio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (A.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (A.M.); (A.V.)
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Treatment Challenges in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma: Differential Response to Anti-IL-5 and Anti-IL-5R Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083969. [PMID: 33921360 PMCID: PMC8069413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe asthma greatly affects patients' quality of life. Major advances have occurred in the management of severe eosinophilic asthma the past few years due to the new targeted biological therapies. There are three anti-IL-5 mAbs, mepolizumab, reslizumab and benralizumab. Despite the different mechanism of blocking IL-5 the clinical effects are quite similar as randomized controlled trials and real-life studies have shown. Moreover, there are reports of responding to one after failing to respond to another anti-IL-5 therapy. Accordingly, it is challenging to explore the possible differences in the response to anti-IL-5 treatments. This might help us not only understand possible mechanisms that contribute to the resistance to treatment in this particular asthma endotype, but also to phenotype within severe eosinophilic asthma in order to treat our patients more efficiently.
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Pelaia C, Crimi C, Benfante A, Caiaffa MF, Calabrese C, Carpagnano GE, Ciotta D, D’Amato M, Macchia L, Nolasco S, Pelaia G, Pellegrino S, Scichilone N, Scioscia G, Spadaro G, Valenti G, Vatrella A, Crimi N. Therapeutic Effects of Benralizumab Assessed in Patients with Severe Eosinophilic Asthma: Real-Life Evaluation Correlated with Allergic and Non-Allergic Phenotype Expression. J Asthma Allergy 2021; 14:163-173. [PMID: 33654413 PMCID: PMC7910091 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s297273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benralizumab can be utilized as add-on biological treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. However, so far only a few real-life studies have been published with regard to the use of this anti-IL-5 receptor humanized monoclonal antibody. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this multicenter observational investigation has been to assess the therapeutic effects of benralizumab in patients with severe uncontrolled, corticosteroid refractory eosinophilic asthma. The secondary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of benralizumab with regard to positive or negative skin prick test (SPT). METHODS Clinical, functional, and laboratory parameters were evaluated in order to verify the therapeutic actions of benralizumab in atopic and non atopic subjects with difficult-to-treat eosinophilic asthma. Moreover, a comparative evaluation was carried out in relation to the presence or absence of SPT positivity. RESULTS After 6 months of add-on biological therapy with benralizumab, our 111 patients experienced a marked improvement of their severe eosinophilic asthma, expressed by significant changes in asthma exacerbation rate, prednisone intake, daily use of short-acting β2-adrenergic agonists (SABA), asthma control test (ACT) score, asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) score (56 patients), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), blood eosinophil count, blood basophil count (59 patients), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels (39 patients). In addition, significantly more effective outcomes were detected in patients with positive SPT, when compared to subjects with negative SPT, only in regard to asthma exacerbation number, ACT score, and daily SABA utilization. No significant correlation was found between serum IgE concentrations and each of all measured parameters. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Taken together, the results of this real-world study indicate that in both allergic and non-allergic subjects benralizumab can be used as a valuable pharmacotherapeutic option for add-on biological therapy of severe eosinophilic asthma, regardless of SPT positivity or negativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alida Benfante
- Department of Biomedicine and Internal and Specialistic Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Cecilia Calabrese
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Elisiana Carpagnano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Section of Respiratory Disease, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Ciotta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria D’Amato
- Division of Pneumology, “V. Monaldi” University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Macchia
- Allergology and Clinical Immunology Unit, University “Aldo Moro” of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simona Pellegrino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Nicola Scichilone
- Department of Biomedicine and Internal and Specialistic Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Scioscia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spadaro
- Allergology and Immunology Unit, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valenti
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Pelaia C, Pelaia G, Crimi C, Longhini F, Lombardo N, Savino R, Sciacqua A, Vatrella A. Biologics in severe asthma. Minerva Med 2021; 113:51-62. [PMID: 33555158 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.21.07296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic airway disease consisting of usually variable airflow limitation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Many different phenotypes characterize the clinical expression of asthma, determined by heterogeneous inflammatory patterns driven by distinct cellular and molecular mechanisms known as endotypes. Inside the complex framework of asthma pathobiology, several molecules such as immunoglobulins E (IgE), pro-inflammatory cytokines and their receptors can be targeted by present and future biological treatments of severe asthma. Within this context, already registered monoclonal antibodies including omalizumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab and dupilumab may interfere at various levels with the pathogenic pathways responsible for type-2 airway inflammation. In particular, these drugs target IgE (omalizumab), IL-5 (mepolizumab and reslizumab), IL-5 receptor (benralizumab) and IL-4/IL-13 receptors (dupilumab), respectively. Moreover, other biological therapies are under evaluation in pre-marketing trials, mainly aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies directed against innate cytokines such as IL-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Among current and perspective therapeutic approaches, clinicians can choose phenotype/endotype-driven tailored treatments, able to pursue an effective control of difficult to treat type-2 asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy -
| | - Giulia Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federico Longhini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Lombardo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rocco Savino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Angela Sciacqua
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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25
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Suraya R, Nagano T, Katsurada M, Sekiya R, Kobayashi K, Nishimura Y. Molecular mechanism of asthma and its novel molecular target therapeutic agent. Respir Investig 2021; 59:291-301. [PMID: 33549541 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic disease with major public health ramifications owing to its high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in severe and recurrent cases. Conventional therapeutic options could partially alleviate the burden of asthma, yet a novel approach is needed to completely control this condition. To do so, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying asthma is essential to recognize and treat the major pathways that drive its pathophysiology. In this review, we will discuss the molecular mechanism of asthma, in particular focusing on the type of inflammatory responses it elicits, namely type 2 and non-type 2 asthma. Furthermore, we will discuss the novel therapeutic options that target the aberrant molecules found in asthma pathophysiology. We will specifically focus on the role of novel monoclonal antibody therapies recently developed, such as the anti-IgE, IL-5, IL-5Rα, and IL-4Rα antibodies, drugs that have been extensively studied preclinically and clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratoe Suraya
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunokicho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Nagano
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunokicho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Katsurada
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunokicho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Reina Sekiya
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunokicho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Kobayashi
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunokicho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Nishimura
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunokicho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
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Pelaia C, Crimi C, Vatrella A, Tinello C, Terracciano R, Pelaia G. Molecular Targets for Biological Therapies of Severe Asthma. Front Immunol 2020; 11:603312. [PMID: 33329598 PMCID: PMC7734054 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.603312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous respiratory disease characterized by usually reversible bronchial obstruction, which is clinically expressed by different phenotypes driven by complex pathobiological mechanisms (endotypes). Within this context, during the last years several molecular effectors and signalling pathways have emerged as suitable targets for biological therapies of severe asthma, refractory to standard treatments. Indeed, various therapeutic antibodies currently allow to intercept at different levels the chain of pathogenic events leading to type 2 (T2) airway inflammation. In addition to pro-allergic immunoglobulin E (IgE), that chronologically represents the first molecule against which an anti-asthma monoclonal antibody (omalizumab) was developed, today other targets are successfully exploited by biological treatments of severe asthma. In particular, pro-eosinophilic interleukin 5 (IL-5) can be targeted by mepolizumab or reslizumab, whereas benralizumab is a selective blocker of IL-5 receptor. Moreover, dupilumab behaves as a dual receptor antagonist of pleiotropic interleukins 4 (IL-4) and 13 (IL-13). Besides these drugs that are already available in medical practice, other biologics are under clinical development such as those targeting innate cytokines, also including the alarmin thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of type 2 asthma. Therefore, ongoing and future biological therapies are significantly changing the global scenario of severe asthma management. These new therapeutic options make it possible to implement phenotype/endotype-specific treatments, that are delineating personalized approaches precisely addressing the individual traits of asthma pathobiology. Such tailored strategies are thus allowing to successfully target the immune-inflammatory responses underlying uncontrolled T2-high asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Caterina Tinello
- Pediatrics Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Biological agents for severe asthma: the evolution of the at-home self-injection approach. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 20:421-427. [PMID: 32590510 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW New biological agents, in addition to the well-established omalizumab, have been nowadays introduced into clinical practice for severe asthma. This suggested the possibility of an at-home self-administration, as currently happening for other biological agents for immune-mediated diseases. RECENT FINDINGS In the very recent years, there were structured clinical trials investigating the self at home administrations of biologicals for severe asthma, showing with different principles, a possible advantage and convenience for the patient, and a socioeconomic saving. SUMMARY The literature analysis currently shows that the at-home self-administration of biologicals for severe asthma is a promising approach to improve the treatment of such disease.
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Pelaia C, Busceti MT, Crimi C, Carpagnano GE, Lombardo N, Terracciano R, Vatrella A, Pelaia G. Real-Life effects of benralizumab on exacerbation number and lung hyperinflation in atopic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110444. [PMID: 32593131 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The humanized monoclonal antibody benralizumab targets the α subunit of the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor and the FcγRIIIa receptor expressed by natural killer cells. Through this dual mechanism of action, benralizumab neutralizes the pro-eosinophil functions of IL-5 and promotes eosinophil apoptosis. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS The present real-life study aimed to evaluate, in 22 allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, the effects of benralizumab on asthma exacerbations and lung hyperinflation. RESULTS In this regard here we show that, after 24 weeks of add-on treatment, benralizumab completely depleted peripheral blood eosinophils (from 810 to 0 cells/μL; p < 0.0001), and significantly decreased both asthma exacerbation number (from 4 to 0; p < 0.0001) and residual volume (from 2720 to 2300 mL; p < 0.01). Moreover, at the same time point (24 weeks) benralizumab also increased pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (from 1295 to 1985 mL; p < 0.0001), FVC (from 2390 to 2974 mL; p < 0.0001), FEF25-75 (from 0.6 to 1.42 L/sec; p < 0.0001), IC (from 1940 to 2460 mL; not significant), and ACT score (from 14.73 to 22.95; p < 0.0001), as well as reduced prednisone intake (from 25 to 0 mg; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In conclusion, our results suggest that via its anti-eosinophil actions benralizumab improved airflow limitation, lung hyperinflation, and respiratory symptoms, as well as lowered asthma exacerbation rate and abrogated OCS consumption in most patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro - Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Busceti
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro - Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania - Catania, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Lombardo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro - Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro - Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, University of Salerno - Salerno, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro - Catanzaro, Italy.
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Phenotypes and endotypes of adult asthma: Moving toward precision medicine. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 144:1-12. [PMID: 31277742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that is challenging to dissect into subgroups because of the heterogeneity present across the spectrum of the disease. Efforts to subclassify asthma using advanced computational methods have identified a number of different phenotypes that suggest that multiple pathobiologically driven clusters of disease exist. The main phenotypes that have been identified include (1) early-onset allergic asthma, (2) early-onset allergic moderate-to-severe remodeled asthma, (3) late-onset nonallergic eosinophilic asthma, and (4) late-onset nonallergic noneosinophilic asthma. Subgroups of these phenotypes also exist but have not been as consistently identified. Advances in our understanding of the diverse immunologic perturbations that drive airway inflammation are consistent with clinical traits associated with these phenotypes and their response to biologic therapies. This has improved the clinician's approach to characterizing asthmatic patients in the clinic. Being able to define asthma endotypes using clinical characteristics and biomarkers will move physicians toward even more personalized management of asthma and precision-based care in the future. Here we will review the most prominent phenotypes and immunologic advances that suggest these disease subtypes represent asthma endotypes.
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Pelaia C, Crimi C, Pelaia G, Nolasco S, Campisi R, Heffler E, Valenti G, Crimi N. Real-life evaluation of mepolizumab efficacy in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, according to atopic trait and allergic phenotype. Clin Exp Allergy 2020; 50:780-788. [PMID: 32347992 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-interleukin-5 (IL-5) monoclonal antibodies can be used as add-on biological therapies in allergic and non-allergic patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. However, within such a therapeutic context real-life investigations are lacking. OBJECTIVE Therefore, the aim of the present observational study was to evaluate the effects of mepolizumab in allergic and non-allergic subjects with severe eosinophilic asthma. METHODS Relevant clinical, functional, laboratory, and pharmacotherapeutic parameters were assessed in the above patient subgroups. RESULTS After one year of add-on biological treatment with mepolizumab, our 88 patients experienced a remarkable improvement of their severe asthma, documented by a better symptom control, expressed by a significant improvement in asthma control test (ACT) score. Indeed, the mean value (±standard deviation) of ACT score increased from 12.55 (±3.724) to 21.08 (±3.358). Moreover, significant improvements were also detected with regard to the median values (interquartile range) of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 ), blood eosinophil numbers, annual rate of disease exacerbations, and daily intake of oral corticosteroids (OCS). In particular, FEV1 enhanced from 1640 mL (1110-2275) to 1920 mL (1525-2615), blood eosinophil count dropped from 711.0 cells/μL (500.0-1022) to 90.00 cells/μL (50.00-117.5), the annual rate of asthma exacerbations decreased from 3.000 (2.000-6.000) to 0.000 (0.000-1.000), and the daily prednisone intake fell from 6.250 mg (0.000-25.00) to 0.000 mg (0.000-0.000). After one year of mepolizumab treatment, the improvements in clinical, functional, and haematological parameters were quite similar in patient subgroups characterized by skin prick test (SPT) negativity or positivity, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between serum IgE levels and OCS intake decrease (r = -0.2257; P < .05). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hence, our real-life data suggest that mepolizumab can represent a valid add-on therapeutic option for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, irrespective of IgE serum concentrations, and allergic sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Santi Nolasco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine Asthma and Allergy Clinic, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valenti
- Allergology and Pulmonology Unit, Provincial Outpatient Center of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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31
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Bleecker ER, Menzies-Gow AN, Price DB, Bourdin A, Sweet S, Martin AL, Alacqua M, Tran TN. Systematic Literature Review of Systemic Corticosteroid Use for Asthma Management. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 201:276-293. [PMID: 31525297 PMCID: PMC6999108 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201904-0903so] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic corticosteroid use to manage uncontrolled asthma and its associated healthcare burden may account for important health-related adverse effects. We conducted a systematic literature review to investigate the real-world extent and burden of systemic corticosteroid use in asthma. We searched MEDLINE and Embase databases to identify English-language articles published in 2010–2017, using search terms for asthma with keywords for oral corticosteroids and systemic corticosteroids. Observational studies, prescription database analyses, economic analyses, and surveys on oral/systemic corticosteroid use in children (>5 yr old), adolescents (12–17 yr old), and adults with asthma were included. We identified and reviewed 387 full-text articles, and our review included data from 139 studies. The included studies were conducted in Europe, North America, and Asia. Overall, oral/systemic corticosteroids were commonly used for asthma management and were more frequently used in patients with severe asthma than in those with milder disease. Long-term oral/systemic corticosteroid use was, in general, less frequent than short-term use. Compared with no use, long-term and repeated short-term oral/systemic corticosteroid use were associated with an increased risk of acute and chronic adverse events, even when doses were comparatively low. Greater oral/systemic corticosteroid exposure was also associated with increased costs and healthcare resource use. This review provides a comprehensive overview of oral/systemic corticosteroid use and associated adverse events for patients with all degrees of asthma severity and exposure duration. We report that oral/systemic corticosteroid use is prevalent in asthma management, and the risks of acute and chronic complications increase with the cumulative oral corticosteroid dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene R Bleecker
- Division of Genetics, Genomics and Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | - David B Price
- Department of Primary Care Respiratory Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.,Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Arnaud Bourdin
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Stephen Sweet
- Research Evaluation Unit, Oxford PharmaGenesis Ltd., Oxford, United Kingdom
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Menzies-Gow A, Mansur AH, Brightling CE. Clinical utility of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in severe asthma management. Eur Respir J 2020; 55:13993003.01633-2019. [PMID: 31949116 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01633-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, affecting over 350 million people worldwide and placing a significant burden on healthcare providers and wider society. Approximately 5-10% of asthma patients are diagnosed with severe asthma and typically are associated with increased risk of hospitalisation from exacerbations, increased morbidity, mortality and higher asthma-associated healthcare costs. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of immune responses and is a product of inflammation in the airways that is over-produced in asthma. Fractional exhaled NO (F eNO) is predominantly used as a predictor of response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), to monitor adherence and as a diagnostic tool in ICS-naïve patients. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend the use of F eNO for the initial diagnosis of patients with suspected asthma. In the USA, American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines recommend F eNO as part of the initial diagnosis of asthma and for monitoring of airway inflammation. F eNO has also been shown to be a predictive factor for asthma exacerbations, with higher levels being associated with a greater number of exacerbations. In addition, higher levels of F eNO have been shown to be associated with a decline in lung function. F eNO testing is a cost-effective procedure and has been shown to improve patient management when combined with standard assessment methods. Recent evidence suggests that F eNO may also be useful as a surrogate biomarker for the assessment and management of severe asthma and to predict responsiveness to some biological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adel H Mansur
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.,Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christopher E Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Dept of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Cushen B, Menzies-Gow A. Benralizumab: an updated treatment of eosinophilic asthma. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:435-444. [PMID: 32133878 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1739526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: An estimated 5-10% of people with asthma have disease which remains uncontrolled despite maximal treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists. Benralizumab is currently licensed for use in patients with severe asthma who have an eosinophilic phenotype. Benralizumab depletes eosinophils by binding to the anti-IL5 receptor on the surface of eosinophils, mitigating the effect of IL-5 on eosinophil proliferation and survival, and induces natural killer cell-mediated eosinophil apoptosis.Areas covered: The authors review the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic profile of Benralizumab and summarize the scientific data supporting its clinical efficacy and safety in severe asthma. Further, the authors highlight future studies of Benralizumab in asthma and other diseases.Expert opinion: Benralizumab lowers exacerbation rates, symptom burden, and oral glucocorticoid use, and improves lung function, in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. Benralizumab is well tolerated and is an attractive choice for patients and physicians due to its eosinophil-depleting mechanism of action and less frequent dosing schedule. More data is needed to guide the selection of biologic therapy in severe asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breda Cushen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
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34
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Pelaia C, Vatrella A, Crimi C, Gallelli L, Terracciano R, Pelaia G. Clinical relevance of understanding mitogen-activated protein kinases involved in asthma. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:501-510. [PMID: 32098546 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1735365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a large family of evolutionary conserved intracellular enzymes that play a pivotal role in signaling pathways mediating the biologic actions of a wide array of extracellular stimuli.Areas covered: MAPKs are implicated in most pathogenic events involved in asthma, including both inflammatory and structural changes occurring in the airways. Indeed, MAPKs are located at the level of crucial convergence points within the signal transduction networks activated by many cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and other inducers of bronchial inflammation and remodeling such as immunoglobulin E (IgE) and oxidative stress.Expert opinion: Therefore, given the growing importance of MAPKs in asthma pathobiology, these signaling enzymes are emerging as key intracellular pathways whose upstream activation can be inhibited by biological drugs such as anti-cytokines and anti-IgE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Department of Health Science, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Health Science, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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35
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Pelaia C, Busceti MT, Vatrella A, Ciriolo M, Garofalo E, Crimi C, Terracciano R, Lombardo N, Pelaia G. Effects of the first three doses of benralizumab on symptom control, lung function, blood eosinophils, oral corticosteroid intake, and nasal polyps in a patient with severe allergic asthma. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2020; 8:2050313X20906963. [PMID: 32110408 PMCID: PMC7026816 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x20906963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe allergic eosinophilic asthma can be characterized by inadequate control, despite the regular use of high dosages of inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists combinations, and the very frequent utilization of oral corticosteroids. Therefore, under these circumstances, an add-on biological treatment with monoclonal antibodies directed against suitable molecular targets, involved in the pathobiology of type-2 airway inflammation, is very useful. Within such a context, our case report refers to a 46-year-old woman with severe allergic eosinophilic asthma and relapsing nasal polyps, not eligible to add-on biological therapy with omalizumab because of her very high serum levels of immunoglobulins E (IgE). She is currently under treatment with the humanized monoclonal antibody benralizumab (30 mg subcutaneous injection, administered every 4 weeks for the first three doses, and every 8 weeks thereafter), an eosinophil-depleting anti-interleukin-5-receptor biologic. Our patient experienced relevant clinical and functional improvements already after the first dose, and subsequently striking changes were recorded after the second and third doses, including remarkable increases in asthma control test scores and forced expiratory volume in 1 s values, associated with a complete depletion of blood eosinophils and the interruption of oral corticosteroid intake, as well as with the concomitant disappearance of nasal polyps after the second dose. In conclusion, this case study suggests that benralizumab can exert a very rapid and effective therapeutic action in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and nasal polyposis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University 'Magna Græcia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Busceti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University 'Magna Græcia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Marco Ciriolo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University 'Magna Græcia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eugenio Garofalo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University 'Magna Græcia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Health Sciences, University 'Magna Græcia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Lombardo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University 'Magna Græcia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University 'Magna Græcia' of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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36
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Antibodies: monoclonal and polyclonal. Anim Biotechnol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-811710-1.00015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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37
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Pelaia C, Paoletti G, Puggioni F, Racca F, Pelaia G, Canonica GW, Heffler E. Interleukin-5 in the Pathophysiology of Severe Asthma. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1514. [PMID: 31920718 PMCID: PMC6927944 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-5 (IL-5) exerts a central pathogenic role in differentiation, recruitment, survival, and degranulation of eosinophils. Indeed, during the last years, significant advances have been made in our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the powerful actions of IL-5 finalized to the induction, maintenance, and amplification of eosinophilic inflammation. Therefore, IL-5 is a suitable target for add-on biological therapies based on either IL-5 inhibition (mepolizumab, reslizumab) or blockade of its receptor (benralizumab). These modern treatments can result in being definitely beneficial for patients with severe type 2 (T2)-high eosinophilic asthma, refractory to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as inhaled and even systemic corticosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Paoletti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.,Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Francesca Puggioni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.,Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Francesca Racca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.,Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giorgio Walter Canonica
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.,Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.,Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
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38
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Pelaia C, Crimi C, Vatrella A, Busceti MT, Gaudio A, Garofalo E, Bruni A, Terracciano R, Pelaia G. New treatments for asthma: From the pathogenic role of prostaglandin D 2 to the therapeutic effects of fevipiprant. Pharmacol Res 2019; 155:104490. [PMID: 31682916 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is a pleiotropic mediator, significantly involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 (T2) asthma because of its biologic actions exerted on both immune/inflammatory and airway structural cells. In particular, the pro-inflammatory and pro-remodelling effects of PGD2 are mainly mediated by stimulation of chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2). This receptor is the target of the oral competitive antagonist fevipiprant, which on the basis of recent phase II studies is emerging as a potential very promising anti-asthma drug. Indeed, fevipiprant appears to be safe and effective, especially in consideration of its ability to inhibit eosinophilic bronchial inflammation and improve forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Further ongoing phase III trials will definitely clarify if fevipiprant can prospectively become a valid option for an efficacious add-on treatment of moderate-to-severe T2-high asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Busceti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Achille Gaudio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eugenio Garofalo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Bruni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Health Science, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
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39
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Pelaia C, Busceti MT, Vatrella A, Rago GF, Crimi C, Terracciano R, Pelaia G. Real-life rapidity of benralizumab effects in patients with severe allergic eosinophilic asthma: Assessment of blood eosinophils, symptom control, lung function and oral corticosteroid intake after the first drug dose. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2019; 58:101830. [PMID: 31344472 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2019.101830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Benralizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody which binds to the α subunit of the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor and to the FcγRIIIa receptor expressed by natural killer cells, thus suppressing the pro-eosinophil actions of IL-5 and triggering eosinophil apoptosis via the very effective mechanism of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Because of its recent approval and introduction in clinical practice for the add-on biological therapy of severe eosinophilic asthma, real-life investigations are still lacking. In this regard, our present real-life study refers to 13 patients with severe allergic eosinophilic asthma, currently under treatment with benralizumab at the Respiratory Unit of "Magna Græcia" University Hospital located in Catanzaro, Italy. Already 4 weeks after the first subcutaneous injection of benralizumab at the dosage of 30 mg, blood eosinophil count rapidly dropped down from 814.7 ± 292.3 cells/μL to 51.3 ± 97.5 cells/μL (p < 0.0001). This relevant hematologic change was associated with quick and significant increases in asthma control test (ACT) score (from 15.31 ± 2.78 to 21.15 ± 3.58; p < 0.0001), pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (from 1441 ± 757.9 mL to 1887 ± 837.3 mL; p < 0.001), and morning peak expiratory flow (PEF) (from 4.21 ± 2.20 to 5.33 ± 1.99 L/sec; p < 0.01). Furthermore, the marked improvement in global health status experienced by our patients allowed them to progressively lower and then completely interrupt, within 4 weeks, their daily intake of oral corticosteroids (OCS), which thereby fell from 15.58 ± 8.30 to 0 mg (p < 0.0001) of prednisone. Therefore, such preliminary results suggest that in patients with severe allergic eosinophilic asthma benralizumab can exert, within a real-life context, a very rapid and effective therapeutic action, already detectable 4 weeks after the first drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Busceti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Francesco Rago
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Health Science, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
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40
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Younis US, Vallorz E, Addison KJ, Ledford JG, Myrdal PB. Preformulation and Evaluation of Tofacitinib as a Therapeutic Treatment for Asthma. AAPS PharmSciTech 2019; 20:167. [PMID: 30993508 PMCID: PMC6818719 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-019-1377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preformulation studies on tofacitinib citrate, a small molecule JAK3 specific inhibitor, have not been previously reported in literature. We therefore conducted several preformulation studies on tofacitinib citrate, and its free base, to better understand factors that affect its solubility, stability, and solid-state characteristics. Further, the results of the preformulation studies helped facilitate the development of a nebulized formulation of tofacitinib citrate for inhalational delivery to house dust mite allergen-challenged, BALB/c mice as a potential treatment for eosinophilic asthma. The preformulation results indicated tofacitinib having a basic pKa of 5.2, with its stability dependent on pH, ionic strength, and temperature. Degradation of tofacitinib follows apparent first-order kinetics. In order to maximize stability of the drug, ionic strength and temperature should be minimized, with an optimal range pH between 2.0 and 5.0. Additionally, our findings demonstrate that tofacitinib citrate can successfully be nebulized at a suitable droplet size for inhalation (1.2 ± 0.2 μm MMAD) through a nose-only chamber. Animals dosed with tofacitinib citrate demonstrated marked reductions in BAL eosinophils and total protein concentrations following HDM challenge. These data suggest that tofacitinib citrate represents the potential to be an effective therapy for eosinophilic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usir S Younis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
- Biosciences Research Laboratories (BSRL) Building, 1230 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson, Arizona, 85719, USA.
| | - Ernest Vallorz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Kenneth J Addison
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Julie G Ledford
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Asthma and Airways Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Paul B Myrdal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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41
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Mouse models of severe asthma for evaluation of therapeutic cytokine targeting. Immunol Lett 2019; 207:73-83. [PMID: 30659868 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Severe asthma is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease of the airways, which requires treatment with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids or their systemic administration, yet often remains uncontrolled despite this therapy. Over the past decades, research efforts into phenotyping of severe asthma and defining the pathological mechanisms of this disease were successful largely due to the development of appropriate animal models. Recent identification of distinct inflammatory patterns of severe asthma endotypes led to novel treatment approaches, including targeting specific cytokines or their receptors with neutralizing antibodies. Here we discuss how different experimental mouse models contributed to generation of clinically relevant findings concerning pathogenesis of severe asthma and to identification of potential targets for biologic therapy.
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42
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Omalizumab lowers asthma exacerbations, oral corticosteroid intake and blood eosinophils: Results of a 5-YEAR single-centre observational study. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2018; 54:25-30. [PMID: 30414440 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody which binds to human immunoglobulins E (IgE), thus preventing their interactions with both high affinity and low affinity IgE receptors. Therefore, omalizumab is currently recommended for add-on biological therapy of uncontrolled allergic asthma, mainly characterized by type 2 airway eosinophilic inflammation. Because omalizumab has been the first, and for a long time the only available monoclonal antibody for add-on treatment of type 2 asthma, some long-term studies have been published which provide a clear evidence of the therapeutic effectiveness of the anti-IgE pharmacological strategy. Within this context, the present single-centre observational study refers to 15 patients with severe allergic asthma, treated with omalizumab for at least 5 years at the Respiratory Unit of "Magna Græcia" University Hospital located in Catanzaro, Italy. In these asthmatic subjects we observed significant increases in asthma control test (ACT) score, with respect to baseline (14.60 ± 2.97), after 1 year (19.20 ± 2.98; p < 0.0001) and 5 years (21.67 ± 2.38; p < 0.0001) of add-on treatment with omalizumab. More importantly, omalizumab significantly lowered the number of annual asthma exacerbations (baseline: 3.66 ± 2.01) after 1 year (0.83 ± 1.14; p < 0.0001) and 5 years (0.63 ± 0.99; p < 0.0001), respectively. This excellent therapeutic outcome made it possible to drastically decrease the daily oral intake of prednisone (baseline: 22.50 ± 5.17 mg) after 1 year (1.83 ± 4.06 mg; p < 0.0001), as well as after 5 years (1.66 ± 3.61 mg; p < 0.0001). With regard to lung function, omalizumab significantly and persistently enhanced FEV1 (baseline: 1636 ± 628.4 mL) after 1 year (2000 ± 679.7 mL; p < 0.05) and 5 years (1929 ± 564.8 mL; p < 0.05), respectively. Such relevant clinical and functional improvements were associated with reductions of blood eosinophil counts (baseline: 646.0 ± 458.9 cells/μl), already detectable after 1 year (512.7 ± 327.8 cells/μl; not significant), which reached the threshold of statistical significance after 5 years (326.0 ± 171.8 cells/μl; p < 0.05). Therefore, these real-life data referring to our single-centre observational investigation further corroborate the long-term therapeutic ability of omalizumab to improve several clinical, functional and haematological signatures of severe type 2 asthma.
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Pelaia C, Busceti MT, Solinas S, Terracciano R, Pelaia G. Real-life evaluation of the clinical, functional, and hematological effects of mepolizumab in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma: Results of a single-centre observational study. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2018; 53:1-5. [PMID: 30217438 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Mepolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody which targets interleukin-5 (IL-5) and is nowadays available in many countries for add-on biological therapy of severe eosinophilic asthma. Although the approval of mepolizumab use in clinical practice has been made possible by several successful pre-marketing controlled trials, so far only a very few studies have been performed in a real-life setting. Within such a context, our present observational investigation refers to 14 patients with refractory eosinophilic asthma, currently treated with mepolizumab at the Respiratory Unit of "Magna Græcia" University Hospital located in Catanzaro, Italy, whose anti-IL-5 treatment began between June 2017 and January 2018. These patients experienced a significant increase in asthma control test (ACT) score, that was evaluated at baseline (13.64 ± 3.00), as well as after 4 weeks (18.86 ± 3.15; p < 0.0001) and 24 weeks (20.07 ± 1.94; p < 0.0001) of add-on therapy with mepolizumab. This relevant improvement in symptom control was paralleled by a dramatic fall of blood eosinophil numbers, counted at baseline (647.1 ± 274.7 cells/μl), and at the 4th (147.8 ± 66.5 cells/μl; p < 0.0001) and 24th week (98.6 ± 40.3 cells/μl; p < 0.0001) after starting add-on treatment with mepolizumab. These changes were associated with significant and stable increases in FEV1, which was recorded at baseline (1389 ± 454.3 mL), as well as after 4 weeks (1711 ± 482.3 mL; p < 0.001) and 24 weeks (1701 ± 456.0 mL; p < 0.01). Moreover, in comparison to the 6 months preceding the beginning of treatment with mepolizumab, after 24 weeks of anti-IL-5 therapy significant decreases were detected with regard to exacerbation numbers (from 3.64 ± 1.86 to 1.0 ± 0.78; p < 0.001) and oral intake of prednisone (from 24.11 ± 10.36 mg/day to 1.78 ± 3.82 mg/day). Therefore, these preliminary data referring to our single-centre observational study corroborate, in a real-life environment, the efficacy of mepolizumab for treatment of patients with exacerbation-prone, corticosteroid-refractory, severe eosinophilic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Busceti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sabina Solinas
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Health Science, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Italy.
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Pelaia C, Calabrese C, Terracciano R, de Blasio F, Vatrella A, Pelaia G. Omalizumab, the first available antibody for biological treatment of severe asthma: more than a decade of real-life effectiveness. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2018; 12:1753466618810192. [PMID: 30400762 PMCID: PMC6236630 DOI: 10.1177/1753466618810192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Omalizumab was the first, and for a long time the only available monoclonal antibody for the add-on treatment of severe allergic asthma. In particular, omalizumab selectively targets human immunoglobulin (Ig)E, forming small-size immune complexes that inhibit IgE binding to its high- and low-affinity receptors. Therefore, omalizumab effectively blunts the immune response in atopic asthmatic patients, thus significantly improving the control of asthma symptoms and successfully preventing disease exacerbations. These very positive effects of omalizumab make it possible to drastically decrease both referrals to the emergency room and hospitalizations for asthma exacerbations. Such important therapeutic actions of omalizumab have been documented by several randomized clinical trials, and especially by more than 10 years of real-life experience in daily clinical practice. Omalizumab can also interfere with airway remodelling by inhibiting the activation of IgE receptors located on structural cells such as bronchial epithelial cells and airway smooth muscle cells. Moreover, omalizumab is characterized by a very good safety and tolerability profile. Hence, omalizumab represents a valuable therapeutic option for the add-on biological treatment of severe allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences,
University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cecilia Calabrese
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Respiratory
Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Health Sciences, University ‘Magna
Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco de Blasio
- Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonary
Rehabilitation Section, Clinic Center Private Hospital, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences ‘V.
Tiberio’, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry,
University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Girolamo Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences,
University ‘Magna Græcia’ of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy; Campus
Universitario ‘Salvatore Venuta’, Viale Europa – Località Germaneto,
Catanzaro, 88100, Italy
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