Abstract
Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is an eosinophil differentiation factor. Therefore, increased levels of IL-5 in the bone marrow is associated with increased eosinophil numbers in blood. In addition, IL-5 increases the sensitivity ofeosinophils towards other stimuli and delays their cell death. In contrast to other cytokines, IL-5 acts on a limited number of cells only. In fact, high-affinity IL-5 receptors are exclusively expressed by eosinophils and basophils, but no other human cells. Therefore, neutralization of IL-5 appears to be an obvious approach to treat eosinophilic disorders, since no major side effects due to effects on other cells are expected. Results from animal experiments suggested that anti-IL-5 antibodies may have anti-asthmatic activities. In this article, I summarize our current knowledge regarding anti-IL-5 therapy and speculate on the potential use of these drugs in the future.
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