Patient description: A 39-year-old man came to the clinic with cough and shortness of breath that was not relieved by his inhaler. He had these symptoms for 5 days during the past 2 weeks. He doubled his oral corticosteroids in the past week. He is a chef with a history of asthma for 3 years, suffering from frequent cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath and chest tightness. The symptoms become more bothersome within 1-2 hours of starting work every day and worsen throughout the work week. His symptoms improve within 1-2 hours outside the workplace. Spirometry was performed revealing a forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) of 63% of the predicted. His past medical history is significant for seasonal allergic rhinitis in the summer. He doesn't smoke or use illicit drugs. His family history is significant for asthma in his father and sister. He currently uses inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and fluticasone 500 mcg/salmeterol 50 mcg, one puff twice daily.

Clinical trial eligibility criteria: eligible ages (years): 18.0-50.0,  Asthma Males or females age 18 to 50 yrs History of asthma based upon presence of asthma symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, wheeze or chest tightness positive skin-prick test to a House Dust Mite extract Forced expiratory volume at one second >70% predicted pre-albuterol, > 80% predicted post albuterol >12% increase in Forced expiratory volume at one second following inhaled albuterol (180 µg) and/or airway responsiveness to methacholine (PC20 <8mg/ml) > 20% immediate drop in FEV1 following inhaled antigen challenge Safety laboratory assessments within normal ranges (labs to complete blood count with differential, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, Prothrombin time, Partial Thromboplastin Time, and platelet count) Female subjects of child-bearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test (urine HCG) within 48 hours of the methacholine challenge at Visit 2 and agree to use a reliable method of birth control for the duration of the study (reliable methods of birth control can abstinence, barrier methods, oral contraceptives, injection contraceptives or skin absorption contraceptives) In the opinion of the investigator, capable and willing to grant written informed consent and cooperate with study procedures and requirements  Use of inhaled or systemic corticosteroids or leukotriene inhibitors within 1 month of screening Treatment with Omalizumab (anti-IgE) within 9 months of screening visit Concomitant use of any other monoclonal antibody Respiratory infection within 4 weeks of study Unstable asthma as indicated by self-report of increased symptoms or increased beta-agonist use over the previous 2 weeks Female subjects who are pregnant, nursing or have a pregnancy planned during the course of study Current smokers (defined as smoked within the last year) or a former smoker with a history of >5 pack years Major health problems such as heart disease, type I and II diabetes or lung diseases other than asthma. Decisions regarding this will be based upon the judgment of the investigator Previous malignancy Medication other than for asthma, allergies or contraception and that the investigator feels may interfere with the conduct of study (e.g. monoamine oxidase inhibitors and B-adrenergic antagonists in any form)