Investigational therapeutics targeting the IL-4/IL-13/STAT-6 pathway for the treatment of asthma

Eur Respir Rev. 2010 Mar;19(115):46-54. doi: 10.1183/09059180.00007609.

Abstract

Asthma is a complex, persistent, inflammatory disease characterised by airway hyperresponsiveness in association with airway inflammation. Studies suggest that regular use of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators or omalizumab (a humanised monoclonal antibody that binds to immunoglobulin E and is often used as next-step therapy) may not be sufficient to provide asthma control in all patients, highlighting an important unmet need. Interleukin-4, interleukin-13, and the signal transducer and activator of transcription factor-6 are key components in the development of airway inflammation, mucus production, and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. Biological compounds targeting these molecules may provide a new therapeutic modality for patients with uncontrolled severe asthma. The purpose of this review is to summarise current studies of compounds targeting the interleukin-4/interleukin-13 pathway and to provide a rationale for the development of such compounds for this use.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Asthma* / drug therapy
  • Asthma* / immunology
  • Asthma* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-13 / immunology
  • Interleukin-13 / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-4 / immunology
  • Interleukin-4 / metabolism*
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor / immunology
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • IL4 protein, human
  • Interleukin-13
  • STAT6 Transcription Factor
  • STAT6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-4