The role of eosinophilopoietins and integrins on eosinophils biology in asthma

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that affects about 300 million peopleworldwide, and the incidence is continuously increasing. Patientswith asthma aremost commonly diagnosedwith type 2 inflammation,which is characterized by eosinophilia, which is an increased amount of eosinophils in the blood and airways. Asthma with predominant eosinophilic inflammation is characterized by amore severe course of the disease,more frequent exacerbations, andmore intense symptoms. To reduce symptoms, facilitate the course of the disease, and treat asthma more effectively is important to understand asthma pathogenesis better. Eosinophils survivalmaturation, activation, and quantity in the lungs are promoted by cytokines, of which eosinophilopoietins – interleukin (IL) 3, IL-5, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are themost important. Eosinophilia is also associated with the activation of integrins present on the surface of eosinophils. Integrins areresponsible for eosinophils adhesion to airway structural cells, thus prolonging their survival leading to more intense airway eosinophilia. Eosinophilopoietins, their receptors, and integrins might be suitable targets reducing eosinophilia in blood and airway, as well as airway inflammation.Humanizedmonoclonal antibodies are used for this purpose. Biological therapy allows for the specific inhibition of relevant asthma pathways and offers patients individualized treatment. This review will discuss the biological significance of eosinophilopoietins and their receptors, integrins on eosinophils functions, anti-cytokine and anti-integrin therapy efficiency in asthma.