Description
IL-5 is a 26 kD TH2 cytokine and a homodimeric glycoprotein that is part of the hematopoietic family. IL-5 stimulates B cell growth as well as increases Ig secretion. It is the main factor that promotes the terminal differentiation of eosinophil progenitors and enhances the effector capacity of mature eosinophils. IL-5 is a major regulator of eosinophil accumulation in tissues. In fact, in Hodgkin lymphoma, the characteristically observed eosinophilia is suspected to result from an increased production of IL-5. IL-5 may also be the cause of several allergic diseases including asthma, where it is thought that eosinophils have a significant role in the disease pathology. There are several mAbs currently in use that target IL-5 for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma