Conclusion
Together this data contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms of action of benralizumab in the resolution of inflammation in severe asthma patients.
Methods
Natural Killer and T-cell subsets were detected through multiparametric flow cytometry. The concentrations of serum cytokines levels were detected through multiplex assay. Functional proliferation assay was performed in follow-up samples in severe asthmatic patients.
Results
At baseline, severe asthmatic patients showed higher percentages of immature Natural Killer cells when compared with healthy controls. We demonstrate the proliferative capacity of these cells and their activation after benralizumab administration. Benralizumab shifted Natural Killer cell phenotypes towards maturity. Correlation between the Natural Killer cells and functional parameters and with steroid-sparing was observed.