Immunological Basis for Mepolizumab Activity in COPD

The current literature suggests that the mode of action of mepolizumab is to bind with Interleukin (IL)-5 and block the interaction of IL-5 with the IL-5Ra receptor on eosinophils. This removal of IL-5 may not explain all of the effects of mepolizumab. The investigators propose a set of studies to systematically examine the spectrum of effects of this drug on the immune system.