title: Expression of the histamine H4 receptor in dermal and articular tissues.
abstract: Histamine H(4) receptor was identified in 2000 and is the most recently identified of the four histamine receptors. It is expressed primarily in immune cells and is involved in physiologic functions related to inflammation and allergy. Recently, the H(4) receptor was highlighted as a promising therapeutic target in atopic dermatitis, asthma, and chronic arthritis. In fact, some H(4) receptor antagonists have reached clinical trials for the treatment of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. Based on an initial assessment of distribution, the H(4) receptor has been referred to as the histamine receptor of the hematopoietic system. However, the H(4) receptor has also been implicated in the regulation of other non-hematopoietic systems. Here, we review the expression and function of the H(4) receptor with a focus on dermal and articular tissues. In skin, the H(4) receptor is expressed in both the epidermis and dermis, with stronger receptor expression in the epidermis. In articular tissue, H(4) receptor expression has been detected in synovial cells. Chondrocytes, a major cell sources for cartilage tissue engineering, also express the H(4) receptor. Further understanding of the functions of H(4) receptors in non-hematopoietic cells might lead to novel treatments for diseases with unmet needs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan. yamaura@chiba-u.jp
authors.forename: Katsunori
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yamaura
authors.forename: Azusa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shigemori
authors.forename: Eriko
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Suwa
authors.forename: Koichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ueno
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D002356:Cartilage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D020405:Dermis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D004817:Epidermis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D011968:Receptors, Histamine / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D000074040:Receptors, Histamine H4; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: C418607:HRH4 protein, human; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D011968:Receptors, Histamine; D000074040:Receptors, Histamine H4