New targets for modifying mast cell activation in asthma.
Mast cells play a central role in innate immunity and in orchestrating the asthmatic response. Current medication relies on beta-agonists to relieve bronchoconstriction and steroids to reduce inflammation. However, recently drugs such as leukotriene-receptor antagonists and anti-immunoglobulin E have come on to the market. In this paper, a number of potential targets for modifying mast cell activation in asthma are reviewed. Some are already under study, including clinical trials (eg, tryptase inhibitors); others are more speculative (eg, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity). In each case, where data are available, the action of the agents on human lung mast cells is described.
Respiratory Research Group, School of Medicine and Dentistry, The Queen's University of Belfast, Institute of Clinical Science, Grosvenor Road, Belfast BT12 6BJ, UK. m.ennis@qub.ac.uk
Madeleine
M
Ennis
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D058915:Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000276:immunology; D015842:Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000276:immunology; D053802:Tryptases
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D058915:Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists; D015842:Serine Proteinase Inhibitors; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; D053802:Tryptases