Tackling the cytokine storm using advanced drug delivery in allergic airway disease

Asthma is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide presenting a huge socio-economic burden with rising morbidity and mortality rates. It is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that is eminent with multiple epidemiological and pathophysiological features such as over production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that triggers an uncontrolled aberrant inflammatory response known as 'cytokine storm'. This phenomenon interferes with the signalling and production of cytokines over time leading to the progression of disease and the development of complications that lead to fatal consequences in many individuals. Targeting this overproduction and signalling of cytokines may prove a promising approach to develop novel cytokine specific therapies in the treatment of asthma. This review discusses on the various pharmacological strategies, recent advancements in drug delivery systems and significant findings from clinical trials that may have a potential to outweigh the limitations of the current therapies in the treatment of asthma.

Automated summary

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that presents a huge burden worldwide. Overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines triggers an uncontrolled inflammatory response known as 'cytokine storm', leading to disease progression and fatal consequences. Targeting cytokine overproduction and signaling may provide a promising approach for asthma treatment. This review discusses pharmacological strategies, drug delivery systems, and clinical trial findings that may overcome the limitations of current therapies.