Finding better therapeutic targets for patients with asthma: adenosine receptors?
Recent observations suggest a potential pathophysiological function for adenosine signalling in chronic inflammation of the airways, and development of new selective agonists or antagonists for adenosine receptor subtypes has recently lead to a number of clinical trials of such agents in asthma. The review by Wilson in this issue of the BJP provides a critical perspective on adenosine receptors as rational targets for drug development for anti-asthma drugs with a focus on their efficacy and safety. Important conclusions can be drawn about the function of adenosine receptors in human asthma and approaches to these important targets with novel therapeutic agents.
Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, Institute of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, S. Marta Hospital, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. polosa@unict.it
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D000241:Adenosine / Q000378:metabolism; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D058906:Purinergic P1 Receptor Agonists; D058915:Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D058906:Purinergic P1 Receptor Agonists; D058915:Purinergic P1 Receptor Antagonists; D000241:Adenosine