The Korean journal of internal medicine

The Korean Association of Internal Medicine (대한내과학회)
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New targets for type 2-low asthma

  • Quang Luu Quoc (Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine) ;
  • Youngwoo Choi (Department of Biomaterials Science (BK21 FOUR Program), College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Pusan National University) ;
  • Gyu-Young Hur (Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine) ;
  • Hae-Sim Park (Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2023.07.14
  • Accepted : 2023.10.30
  • Published : 2024.03.01
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Abstract

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.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the Korea Health Technology R&D Project with a Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) grant, funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (Grant No. HR16C0001).

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