What is considered evidence of type 2 inflammation?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 24, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Evidence of type 2 inflammation is characterized by the presence of cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, as well as activation and recruitment of eosinophils and mast cells, which can be identified through biomarkers such as blood eosinophils, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), serum IgE, and periostin levels 1.

Key Features of Type 2 Inflammation

  • Elevated levels of specific biomarkers, including:
    • Blood eosinophils
    • Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)
    • Serum IgE
    • Periostin levels
  • Clinical manifestations, such as:
    • Allergic conditions like asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
  • Histological features, including:
    • Eosinophilic infiltration
    • Increased expression of type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13)

Diagnostic Considerations

The diagnosis of type 2 inflammation can be supported by the presence of comorbid allergic conditions and a family history of atopy, as well as the response to targeted biologic therapies, such as dupilumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, or reslizumab, and omalizumab 1.

Treatment Implications

The identification of type 2 inflammation is crucial, as it can inform the use of targeted biologic therapies, which have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and other related conditions 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Evidence of Type 2 Inflammation

The following are considered evidence of type 2 inflammation:

  • High blood eosinophils 2, 3, 4
  • High fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) 2, 5, 4, 6
  • Expression of IL-13 inducible genes, such as 15LOX1, POSTN, CLCA1, SERPINB2, CCL26, and NOS2 2
  • Presence of nasal polyps 3
  • Eosinophilic airway inflammation 4
  • Sputum eosinophil ratio ≥2% 4
  • High levels of immunoglobulins E (IgE) 3

Biomarkers of Type 2 Inflammation

Biomarkers that can be used to assess type 2 inflammation include:

  • FeNO 5, 4, 6
  • Blood eosinophil count (b-EOS) 4
  • IL-13 inducible gene expression 2
  • Sputum eosinophil ratio 4

Clinical Characteristics of Type 2 Inflammation

Type 2 inflammation is often associated with:

  • Severe asthma 3, 4
  • Allergic rhinitis 6
  • Chronic sinusitis 4
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis 5
  • Atopic dermatitis 5
  • Food allergy 5

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.