The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine (Mar 2024)

New targets for type 2-low asthma

  • Quang Luu Quoc,
  • Youngwoo Choi,
  • Gyu-Young Hur,
  • Hae-Sim Park

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2023.299
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 39, no. 2
pp. 215 – 227

Abstract

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Asthma is characterized by airway obstruction and inflammation, and presents significant diagnostic and treatment challenges. The concept of endotypes has improved understanding of the mechanisms of asthma and has stimulated the development of effective treatment strategies. Sputum profiles may be used to classify asthma into two major inflammatory types: type 2-high (T2H) and type 2-low (T2L) asthma. T2H, characterized by elevated type 2 inflammation, has been extensively studied and several effective biologic treatments have been developed. However, managing T2L is more difficult due to the lack of reliable biomarkers for accurate diagnosis and classification. Additionally, conventional anti-inflammatory therapy does not completely control the symptoms of T2L; therefore, further research is needed to identify effective biologic treatments. This review provides new insights into the clinical characteristics and underlying mechanisms of severe T2L and investigates potential therapeutic approaches to control the disease.

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