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 video for an immersive journey into the pathophysiology of severe asthma, highlighting the role of IL-5 as a key driver of type 2 inflammation.
NP-GB-ASU-VID-250004 I June 2025
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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May 2026 | NP-GB-ASU-WCNT-250006 (V2.0)