Type-2 inflammatory mediators as targets for precision medicine in children.

Abstract

The prevalence, heterogeneity, and severity of type 2 inflammatory diseases, including asthma and atopic dermatitis, continue to rise, especially in children and adolescents. Type 2 inflammation is mediated by both innate and adaptive immune cells and sustained by a specific subset of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5,IL-13, and IgE. IL-4 and IL-13 are considered signature type 2 cytokines, as they both have a pivotal role in many of the pathobiologic changes featured in asthma and atopic dermatitis. Several biologics targeting IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, as well as IgE, have been proposed to treat severe allergic disease in the pediatric population with promising results. A better definition of type 2 inflammatory pathways is essential to implement targeted therapeutic strategies.