AbstractPDF
Abstract
Understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms
in asthma has lead to the recognition of a number of
potential therapeutic targets, a few of which have been
evaluated in clinical studies. Parenteral administrations of
both anti-IL-5 and IL-12 inhibit eosinophil recruitment to
the airways, but display a lack of clinical efficacy.
Interrupting the IL-4 pathway thus far has also shown
disappointing results in clinical studies. Omalizumab is
the first anti-IgE monoclonal antibody developed for the
treatment of moderate to severe asthmatics to receive FDA approval. In a number of clinical trials treatment with omalizumab was associated with moderate improvements in a number of relevant endpoints, including the rate of occurrence of disease exacerbations. Newer DNA-based therapeutic strategies including DNA vaccination and the antisense oligonucleotides show promise but thus far have only been tested in animal models.
