Question:medium
Which receptor does Benralizumab act on?
Which receptor does Benralizumab act on?
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Benralizumab targets the IL-5 receptor; mepolizumab and reslizumab target IL-5 itself.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
- IL-5
- IL-4
- IL-1
- TNF-$\alpha$
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody used in the management of severe eosinophilic asthma. The question asks for its molecular target.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Mechanism of Action: Benralizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the $\alpha$-subunit of the interleukin-5 receptor (IL-5R$\alpha$).
Uniqueness: Unlike Mepolizumab and Reslizumab (which bind to the IL-5 cytokine itself), Benralizumab targets the receptor on the surface of eosinophils and basophils.
Eosinophil Depletion: By binding to the receptor, it prevents IL-5 from signaling, but more importantly, it attracts Natural Killer (NK) cells to induce Antibody-Dependent Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC). This leads to near-complete depletion of eosinophils in the blood and airway tissues.
Clinical Use: It is indicated as an add-on maintenance treatment for patients with severe asthma who have an eosinophilic phenotype (characterized by high blood eosinophil counts).
Other Biologics: IL-4/IL-13 is targeted by Dupilumab. TNF-$\alpha$ is targeted by Infliximab/Adalimumab. IL-1 is targeted by Anakinra.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Benralizumab acts by binding to the IL-5 receptor alpha (IL-5R$\alpha$).
Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody used in the management of severe eosinophilic asthma. The question asks for its molecular target.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Mechanism of Action: Benralizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the $\alpha$-subunit of the interleukin-5 receptor (IL-5R$\alpha$).
Uniqueness: Unlike Mepolizumab and Reslizumab (which bind to the IL-5 cytokine itself), Benralizumab targets the receptor on the surface of eosinophils and basophils.
Eosinophil Depletion: By binding to the receptor, it prevents IL-5 from signaling, but more importantly, it attracts Natural Killer (NK) cells to induce Antibody-Dependent Cell-mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC). This leads to near-complete depletion of eosinophils in the blood and airway tissues.
Clinical Use: It is indicated as an add-on maintenance treatment for patients with severe asthma who have an eosinophilic phenotype (characterized by high blood eosinophil counts).
Other Biologics: IL-4/IL-13 is targeted by Dupilumab. TNF-$\alpha$ is targeted by Infliximab/Adalimumab. IL-1 is targeted by Anakinra.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Benralizumab acts by binding to the IL-5 receptor alpha (IL-5R$\alpha$).
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