Biological targets for therapeutic interventions in COPD: clinical potential

Girolamo Pelaia¹, Alessandro Vatrella², Luca Gallelli¹, Teresa Renda¹, Mario Caputi², Rosario Maselli¹, Serafino A Marsico²

¹Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Italy; ²Department of Cardiothoracic and Respiratory Sciences, Second University of Naples, Italy

Abstract: COPD is a widespread inflammatory respiratory disorder characterized by a progressive, poorly reversible airflow limitation. Currently available therapies are mostly based on those used to treat asthma. However, such compounds are not able to effectively reduce the gradual functional deterioration, as well as the ongoing airway and lung inflammation occurring in COPD patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the efficacy of the existing drug classes and to develop new treatments, targeting the main cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis. These therapeutic strategies will be highlighted in the present review.

Keywords: COPD, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs, cytokine and chemokine antagonists, signal transduction inhibitors