Challenges and goals
Challenges in the treatment of severe asthma and goals for management
Severe Asthma: IL-5 and Type 2 Inflammation
Pathophysiological processes
In severe asthma, chronic type 2 inflammation and epithelial barrier dysfunction drive pathogenic processes that have clinical implications for patients.1,2
IL-5 is one of the key mediators of type 2 inflammatory disease processes that are central to severe asthma.3,4
Early identification and targeting of type 2 inflammation in severe asthma may help limit ongoing inflammatory activity and lead to an improvement in asthma symptoms, including airway obstruction, lung function and exacerbation rate.4–7
The role of IL-5 in severe asthma
Watch Dr Hitasha Rupani, Consultant Respiratory Physician at University Hospital Southampton, discuss the role of IL-5 in type 2 inflammation, highlighting the interconnected mechanisms driving airway inflammation and the resulting clinical signs and disease burden.
Disclosures
Grants/research support (to Dr Rupani's institution) from AstraZeneca and GSK. Speaker's bureau/honoraria and advisory boards supported by Advanz Pharma, Areteia Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, GSK and Sanofi. Conference support from AstraZeneca and Sanofi.
NX-GB-ASU-VID-250002 | January 2026
IL-5 is a central driver of type 2 inflammatory processes in severe asthma
This infographic tells the visual story of the interconnected roles of IL-5 and type 2 inflammation in the underlying processes and clinical manifestations of severe asthma.
NX-GB-ASU-LBND-250001 | December 2025
View the infographic
Cellular impact of type 2 inflammation
The key, interconnected type 2 inflammatory processes driving severe asthma are epithelial barrier dysfunction, mucus plugging and airway remodelling.1
The main drivers of these processes are a group of core cytokines, specifically the interleukins IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, and TSLP and these cytokines have both unique and overlapping effects.8,9
By addressing the drivers of type 2 inflammation early, patients may be able to achieve clinical remission as a treatment goal.10
Uncover the drivers behind type 2 inflammation in severe asthma
Watch this short animated video for an immersive exploration of the pathophysiology of severe asthma. Narrated by Professor Dominick Shaw, it uses clear medical animation to simplify complex signalling pathways and illustrate how IL-5, IL-4, IL-13 and other mediators contribute to type 2 inflammation.
Disclosures
Payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speaker bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events from AstraZeneca, Chiesi and GSK
NX-GB-ASU-VID-260001 I June 2026
IL-5 biology beyond
eosinophilic inflammation
The role of IL-5 extends beyond eosinophils; it orchestrates a multidirectional cascade of effects across a range of immune and structural cells. To learn more about these mechanisms, watch this video.
NP-GB-RS-VID-250001 | June 2025
Abbreviations
IL, interleukin; TSLP, thymic stromal lymphopoietin.
References
- Russell RJ, et al. Eur Respir J 2024;63:2301397;
- Raby KL, et al. Front Immunol 2023;14:1201658;
- Wynn T. Nat Rev Immunol 2015;15:271–282;
- Maspero J, et al. ERJ Open Res 2022;8:00576–2021;
- Lommatzsch M, et al. Lancet 2022;399:1664–1668;
- Busse WW, Kraft M. Eur Respir Rev 2022;31:210176;
- Hammad H, Lambrecht BN. Cell 2021;184:1469–1485;
- Gauvreau GM, et al. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020;24:777–792;
- Porsbjerg CM, et al. Eur Respir J 2020;56:2000260;
- Pavord I, et al. Front Immunol 2023;14:1150162.
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NX-GB-NA-WCNT-260004 I September 2026