Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) (TSLP)

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an epithelial-derived cytokine that acts as a master regulator of Type 2 (Th2) immune responses (UniProt: Q969D9). It is primarily produced by keratinocytes and airway epithelial cells in response to environmental insults, such as allergens or pathogens, acting as an "alarmin" that activates dendritic cells and innate lymphoid cells (PubMed: 21886171). This activation leads to the production of Th2 cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which drive allergic inflammation in the skin and lungs. In clinical practice, TSLP is a major therapeutic target for severe, uncontrolled asthma and is being investigated for atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory conditions (PubMed: 34910864). Drugs like Tezepelumab work by neutralizing TSLP, effectively blocking the inflammatory cascade at an upstream point compared to traditional cytokine inhibitors (FDA, 2021).

Other names

TSLPThymic stromal lymphopoietin-like protein

Tezepelumab is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to TSLP and prevents its interaction with the heterodimeric TSLP receptor complex (comprising TSLPR and IL-7R alpha), thereby blocking the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from various immune cells (FDA, 2021; PubMed: 34910864).