Role of the LTB4/BLT1 pathway in allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation

Allergol Int. 2006 Jun;55(2):91-7. doi: 10.2332/allergolint.55.91.

Abstract

LTB4, a proinflammatory lipid mediator generated from arachidonic acid through the action of 5-lipoxygenase, has been known for over two decades and is implicated in a wide variety of inflammatory disorders. BLT1, a G-protein-coupled receptor, has recently been identified as a high affinity receptor specific for LTB4. Recent studies in allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation using mice lacking BLT1 have shown crucial new roles for leukotriene B4 and BLT1 in Th2 cytokine IL-13 production from lung T cells and recruitment of antigen-specific effector CD8+ T cells, suggesting novel mechanisms for their actions. The leukotriene B4-BLT1 pathway is an important target for the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / therapy
  • Leukotriene B4 / physiology*
  • Receptors, Leukotriene B4 / physiology*
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / immunology*
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / metabolism
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / therapy
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • LTB4R protein, human
  • Ltb4r1 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Leukotriene B4
  • Leukotriene B4