CYTOKINES AND THEIR RECEPTORS AS THERAPEUTIC TARGETS IN ASTHMA

Cytokines are very potent pro-inflammatory agents. Several cytokines a re present in abnormal quantities in asthmatic airway tissues. In vitr o and in vivo experiments demonstrate that these cytokines have biolog ical effects relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma. We review the evi dence that interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-gamma (LFN gamma) have the potential of playing a key role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Inh ibition of the activity of IL-4 or IL-5 and enhancing or mimicking the action of IL-10, IL-12 or IFN gamma are therapeutic options in asthma that warrant further investigations.