IL-13 is a novel therapeutic target in allergic asthma

Evaluation of: Bree A, Schlerman FJ, Wadanoli M et al. IL-13 blockade reduces lung inflammation after Ascaris suum challenge in cynomolgus monkeys. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 119, 1251-1257 (2007). There is abundant evidence supporting IL-13 as having a central role in the pathology of allergic asthma. IL-13 induces immunological responses relevant to allergic asthma and exerts effects on airway structural cells, leading to remodeling and enhanced contractility of airway smooth muscle. This paper evaluates the results from a recent preclinical study in cynomolgus monkeys, showing that treatment with an antibody to IL-13 significantly attenuates airway inflammation induced by segmental allergen challenge. Efficacy of anti-IL-13 in proof-of-concept human studies will be critical to evaluate the potential of this therapy for treatment of allergic asthma.