Tezepelumab is a novel biological for severe asthma that targets a cytokine secreted by airway epithelial cells in response to environmental triggers (allergens, pollutants, viruses). This cytokine is:
- A TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin) ✓
- B IL-33
- C IL-25 (IL-17E)
- D IgE
Explanation
Tezepelumab is a human monoclonal antibody that targets TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin), an epithelial-derived alarmin cytokine released by airway epithelial cells in response to allergens, pollutants, smoke, and viral infections. TSLP acts upstream of the entire type 2 (and non-type 2) inflammatory cascade: it activates dendritic cells, ILC2s, mast cells, and basophils, promoting Th2 differentiation and IgE switching. By targeting TSLP, tezepelumab blocks the initial trigger of airway inflammation regardless of the specific allergic or non-allergic phenotype, explaining its efficacy even in non-eosinophilic asthma. IL-33 is a separate alarmin (target of itepekimab); IL-25 drives ILC2 activation; IgE is targeted by omalizumab.
Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.