title: Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors and immunomodulation.
abstract: Intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotide second messengers are regulated predominantly by the complex superfamily of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes. Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular pharmacology of these enzymes has led to their identification as biologic regulators of certain disease states and the development of isozyme-selective inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents. A large body of in vitro and preclinical data suggests the therapeutic utility of PDE4 inhibitors as potent anti-inflammatory agents. Early clinical trials with selective PDE inhibitors substantiate this approach while highlighting pharmacodynamic and toxicologic pitfalls inherent to the inhibition of specific PDE isozymes. This commentary will review our current understanding of PDE inhibitors as immunomodulatory agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. dessayan@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Essayan
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D010727:Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases; D006152:Cyclic GMP