Eosinophil trafficking in allergy and asthma

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Jun;119(6):1303-10; quiz 1311-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2007.03.048. Epub 2007 May 3.

Abstract

Blood eosinophilia and tissue eosinophilia are characteristic features of allergic inflammation and asthma, conditions associated with prominent production of T(H)2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. In this review, we will consider recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that promote expansion and differentiation of eosinophil progenitors in bone marrow, eosinophil recruitment in response to chemokine receptor 3 agonists eosinophil transit mediated by specific ligand-receptor interactions, and prolonged survival of eosinophils in peripheral tissues. Novel rational therapies including antiselectin and antichemokine receptor modalities designed to block eosinophil development and trafficking are discussed, together with the implications of recent clinical studies that have evaluated the efficacy of humanized anti-IL-5 mAb therapy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Asthma / pathology*
  • Cell Movement / immunology*
  • Eosinophils / cytology
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Eosinophils / pathology*
  • Humans