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Omalizumab therapy is associated with reduced circulating basophil populations in asthmatic children
Author(s) -
Hill D. A.,
Siracusa M. C.,
Ruymann K. R.,
Tait Wojno E. D.,
Artis D.,
Spergel J. M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/all.12375
Subject(s) - omalizumab , basophil , medicine , immunoglobulin e , asthma , immunology , monoclonal antibody , antibody , basophil activation , cytokine
Basophils have been implicated in promoting the early development of T H 2 cell responses in some murine models of T H 2 cytokine‐associated inflammation. However, the specific role of basophils in allergic asthma remains an active area of research. Recent studies in animal models and human subjects suggest that IgE may regulate the homeostasis of human basophil populations. Here, we examine basophil populations in children with severe asthma before and during therapy with the IgE‐directed monoclonal antibody omalizumab. Omalizumab therapy was associated with a significant reduction in circulating basophil numbers, a finding that was concurrent with improved clinical outcomes. The observation that circulating basophils are reduced following omalizumab therapy supports a mechanistic link between IgE levels and circulating basophil populations, and may provide new insights into one mechanism by which omalizumab improves asthma symptoms.