Which cytokine is targeted by anti-IL-5 biologics used in asthma treatment?

Anti-IL-5 biologics specifically target interleukin-5 (IL-5), a crucial cytokine involved in the growth, activation, and survival of eosinophils. Elevated levels of eosinophils are often observed in various types of asthma, particularly in eosinophilic asthma. By inhibiting IL-5, these biologics effectively reduce eosinophil levels, which in turn can help decrease inflammation and improve asthma symptoms.

The other cytokines mentioned have roles in asthma pathology but are not the target of anti-IL-5 biologics. For instance, IL-4 and IL-13 are involved in Th2 cell differentiation and contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness and mucus production. Targeting these cytokines is the focus of different biologic therapies, not IL-5. TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin) is also significant in initiating allergic responses, but, like IL-4 and IL-13, it is not the target of IL-5 inhibitors. Thus, while all these cytokines have important roles in asthma, the precise action of anti-IL-5 biologics centers on IL-5 itself.