Role of IL-5 in the development of allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness

This review evaluates the role of IL-5 and IL-5-mediated eosinophil airway infiltration in the development of allergen-driven airway hyperresponsivene ss. It discusses the structure and function of IL-5 and its receptor and th e mechanisms of IL-5-triggered eosinophil accumulation and inflammation of the airways. New research data from murine models of airway inflammation an d hyperresponsiveness utilizing different modes of sensitization to allerge n and anti-IL-5 antibody or IL-5-deficient knock-out mice underscore the ou tstanding role of this cytokine in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, Th is review identifies possible directions for future treatment of airway hyp erresponsiveness and concludes that targeting IL-5-driven inflammatory resp onses may be most beneficial for a novel therapy in bronchial asthma.