IL-5

Eosinophil survival factor

Expression
Elevated
Evidence level
established
Targeted by
Mepolizumab, Benralizumab (via IL-5Rα)

Role in pathogenesis

IL-5 is the master regulator of eosinophil biology: drives maturation, tissue recruitment, activation, and survival. Elevated IL-5 correlates with polyp recurrence. Targeted by mepolizumab and indirectly by benralizumab.

Targeting drugs (2)

DrugMechanismResponseLine
MepolizumabAnti–IL-5 monoclonal antibodySignificant NPS reduction1st-line biologic
BenralizumabAnti–IL-5Rα monoclonal antibody (ADCC-mediated eosinophil depletion)Near-complete eosinophil depletion1st-line biologic

Sources (3)

DetailsBachert C et al. (2015) Endotype-driven care pathways in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis · J Allergy Clin ImmunolDOI
DetailsHan JK et al. (2021) Mepolizumab for CRSwNP (SYNAPSE): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial · Lancet Respir MedDOI
DetailsBachert C et al. (2024) Efficacy and safety of benralizumab in CRSwNP (OSTRO): randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial · LancetDOI