Pharmacological manipulation of granulocyte apoptosis: potential therapeutic targets.
Resolution of inflammation involves the clearance of excess or effete inflammatory cells by a process of physiological programmed cell death (apoptosis) and the subsequent recognition and removal of apoptotic cells by phagocytes. The therapeutic induction of apoptosis for the resolution of chronic inflammation and the general pharmacology of apoptosis have become subjects of increasing interest. In this article, some of the unique and important differences in the control of apoptosis of various inflammatory cells (particularly neutrophil and eosinophil granulocytes) are highlighted. It is suggested that apoptosis can be specifically regulated pharmacologically and could be exploited to develop new drug therapies.
Ward
C
C
The Rayne Laboratory, Respiratory Medicine Unit, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, UK EH8 9AG. c.ward@ed.ac.uk
Dransfield
I
I
Chilvers
E R
ER
Haslett
C
C
Rossi
A G
AG
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000187:drug effects; D005544:Forecasting; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009569:Nitric Oxide