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.
Ennis
Madeleine
M
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
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