1. Targeting neutrophils in asthma: A therapeutic opportunity?
- Author
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De Volder J, Vereecke L, Joos G, and Maes T
- Subjects
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones administration & dosage, Animals, Asthma immunology, Drug Delivery Systems trends, Humans, Inflammation Mediators antagonists & inhibitors, Neutrophils immunology, Asthma drug therapy, Asthma metabolism, Drug Delivery Systems methods, Inflammation Mediators metabolism, Neutrophils drug effects, Neutrophils metabolism
- Abstract
Suppression of airway inflammation with inhaled corticosteroids has been the key therapeutic approach for asthma for many years. Identification of inflammatory phenotypes in asthma has moreover led to important breakthroughs, e.g. with specific targeting of the IL-5 pathway as add-on treatment in difficult-to-treat eosinophilic asthma. However, the impact of interfering with the neutrophilic component in asthma is less documented and understood. This review provides an overview of established and recent insights with regard to the role of neutrophils in asthma, focusing on research in humans. We will describe the main drivers of neutrophilic responses in asthma, the heterogeneity in neutrophils and how they could contribute to asthma pathogenesis. Moreover we will describe findings from clinical trials, in which neutrophilic inflammation was targeted. It is clear that neutrophils are important actors in asthma development and play a role in exacerbations. However, more research is required to fully understand how modulation of neutrophil activity could lead to a significant benefit in asthma patients with airway neutrophilia., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2020
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