Immunological and epithelial barrier dysfunction in EGPA: the possible role of new biomarkers
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare systemic vasculitis with heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Identifying reliable biomarkers is crucial to predicting disease evolution and guiding therapy. We analyzed clinical, biological, and functional data from 33 patients with EGPA in the vasculitic phase. Blood eosinophil count (BEC), eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs), specific IgE to staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE-IgE), and serum free light chains (FLCs) were evaluated. Severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) were present in 100% and 88.5% of patients, respectively. Median BEC was 1950 cells/mm3, with elevated ECP (60.0 µg/L). SE-IgE was detected in 54.2% of patients. A significant negative correlation emerged between λ FLCs and oral corticosteroid (OCS) dose (r = –0.58, p = 0.009). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was significantly lower in C-ANCA+ patients (p = 0.006). ECP and SE-IgE may serve as markers of eosinophilic activity and epithelial barrier damage in EGPA. λ FLCs might be a useful indicator of OCS exposure and treatment response. These biomarkers could support the evaluation of disease evolution and treatment response.
Source: Exploration of Asthma & Allergy
Authors: Cristiano Caruso, Ilaria Baglivo, Stefania Colantuono, Maria Antonietta Zavarella, David Longhino, Chiara Laface, Laura Bruno, Gabriele Lucca, Fabio Romano Selvi, Eleonora Di Carluccio, Gabriele Ciasca, Umberto Basile, Benedetta Niccolini, Mario Rigante, Eugenio De Corso, Antonio Gasbarrini, Giovanni Battista Capoccetta, Paola Anselmi, Aikaterini Detoraki, Elisabetta Greco, Benedetta Bondi, Vincenzo Patella, Stefano Del Giacco
Institutions: Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Ospedale Santa Maria Goretti, Federico II University Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Salerno, University of Cagliari
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7162516274