Image of lung

The role of IL-5 in severe asthma and Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)

Explore the function of IL-5 in severe asthma and CRSwNP and access educational resources.

Explore IL-5 in severe asthma and beyond

The role of IL-5 in severe asthma

Explore how this cytokine plays a pivotal role in severe asthma

Impact of IL-5 beyond eosinophils

Discover the role of IL-5 in other immune cells

Type 2 inflammation

Watch the effects of type 2 inflammation across CRSwNP and severe asthma

Complete the IL-5 learning module

Test your knowledge on the role of IL-5

NP-GB-RS-VID-250001 I June 2025

The role of IL-5 in severe asthma

It is well understood that IL-5 is one of the key cytokines playing a central role in severe asthma by sustaining eosinophilic-mediated inflammation.1 However, our understanding of the extent of IL-5 activity is changing.

Evidence indicates that IL-5 has a broader impact than what was previously believed, contributing to epithelial barrier dysfunction, immune imbalance, mucus plugging, airway remodelling, and therefore disease progression.2–6

Watch the video above for a deeper exploration of our evolving knowledge of IL-5.

Reconsider your understanding of IL-5

Start

The information contained in this space is intended exclusively for healthcare professionals.
Trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2024 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
NX-GB-ASU-BROC-250001 I August 2025

IL-5 nad immune cells diagram IL-5 nad immune cells diagram

NX-GB-ASU-BROC-250001 I August 2025

IL-5’s impact beyond eosinophils

IL-5 impacts the activation and migration of eosinophils into the airways, but it also has a broader reach affecting multiple structural and immune cells.1

Other cells influenced by IL-5 include mast cells, neutrophils, plasma cells, Treg cells, ILC2 cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts and ciliated epithelial cells.1–4,8–18

The impact of IL-5 on these multiple cell types is associated with several pathophysiological processes including immune imbalance, epithelial barrier dysfunction, mucus plugging, nasal polyp formation and airway remodelling.2–6,8,9

Click on the button below for a deeper dive into the impact of IL-5 on disease processes.

Start

Type 2 inflammation

Type 2 inflammation in CRSwNP

Discover how type 2 inflammation shapes the disease profile of CRSwNP.

For UK Healthcare Professionals Only
This material has been created and funded by GSK

NP-GB-RS-VID-250002 I June 2025

Type 2 inflammation in severe asthma

Explore how asthma symptoms are mediated by type 2 inflammation.

For UK Healthcare Professionals Only
This material has been created and funded by GSK

NP-GB-ASU-VID-250004 I June 2025

Complete the IL-5 learning module

Type 2 inflammation

Type 2 inflammation is an overactive immune response driven by cytokines such as IL-5.

Consolidate and test your knowledge of type 2 inflammation across the upper and lower airways with our learning module.

Knowledge Q's

QUESTION 1

What are the effects of IL-5 on lung epithelial cells?

Select 1 option to submit your response and find out the correct answer

CORRECT ANSWER

WRONG ANSWER

QUESTION 2

How does IL-5 contribute to mucus plug formation in severe asthma?

CORRECT ANSWER

WRONG ANSWER

QUESTION 3

What are the multidirectional effects of IL-5 on immune and structural cells as indicated by recent studies?

CORRECT ANSWER

WRONG ANSWER

QUESTION 4

Which cytokines are central to the clinical manifestations of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)?

CORRECT ANSWER

WRONG ANSWER

QUESTION 5

What role does IL-5 play in the pathology of nasal polyps?

CORRECT ANSWER

WRONG ANSWER

NP-GB-ASU-QST-250003 I June 2025

Abbreviations

CPD, continuing professional development; CRSwNP, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps; IL-5, interleukin 5; IL-5Rα, interleukin-5 receptor alpha; ILC2, type 2 innate lymphoid; Treg, regulatory T cell.

References

  1. Pelaia C, et al. Front Physiol. 2019;10:154.
  2. Barretto KT, et al. Allergy. 2020;75(8):2127–2130.
  3. Buchheit KM, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021;148:574–584.
  4. Bajbouj K, et al. Allergy 2023;78:882–885.
  5. Gevaert P, et al. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2022;12(11):1413–1423.
  6. Chan R, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2023;11:195–201.
  7. Menzella F, et al. J Asthma Allergy. 2020;13:301–313.
  8. Rakkar K, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024;209:1268–1272.
  9. Rizzo CA, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2002;109(3):404–409.
  10. Malik B, et al. Respirology 2023;28:758–766.
  11. Bergantini L, et al. Scand J Immunol 2021;94:e13031.
  12. Bergantini L, et al. Biomed Pharmacother 2023;166:115385.
  13. Buchheit KM, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020;145:1574–1584.
  14. Sohail A, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024;153:527–532.
  15. Gorski SA, et al. PLoS ONE 2019;14:e0221113.
  16. Borish L, et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023;130:617–621.
  17. Galdiero MR, et al. Front Med 2017;4:103.
  18. Guillet C, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2021;9:3846–3847.

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellowcard in the Google Play or Apple App store. Adverse events should also be reported to GSK on 0800 221 441 or UKSafety@gsk.com

August 2025 | NP-GB-ASU-WCNT-250006 (V1.0)