Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Current and Emerging Biologic Agents

Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2024 Nov;44(4):595-613. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2024.07.001. Epub 2024 Aug 26.

Abstract

Antihistamine refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) has a prevalence of up to 50%. Anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapies have revolutionized management of CSU, yet refractory cases persist, suggesting a role for biologic agents that impact alternative routes of mast cell stimulation independent of cross-linking at FcεR1. This review addresses anti-IgE and Th2-targeted therapies in the management of CSU. In addition, we explore novel treatments targeting alternative pathways of mast cell activation including MAS-related G protein-coupled receptor-X2 and sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin-6, inhibiting intracellular signaling via Bruton's tyrosine kinase, and disrupting KIT activation by SCF.

Keywords: BTK inhibitor; Biologics; C-kit; Chronic spontaneous urticaria; Dupilumab; MRGPRX2; Mast cell; Omalizumab; Siglec-6.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biological Factors / therapeutic use
  • Biological Products / pharmacology
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use
  • Chronic Urticaria* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin E / metabolism
  • Mast Cells / immunology
  • Mast Cells / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Biological Factors
  • Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase