Effects of inhalation of leukotriene E4 in asthmatics
In the October issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, an article by Professor Sven-Erik Dahlén and colleagues is published, which is also highlighted as the Editor's Choice in this particular issue.
The study unambiguously documented that in humans, the CysLT1 leukotriene receptor that is blocked by today's class of clinically used anti-leukotrienes mediated the airway constriction and inflammation evoked by inhalation of leukotriene (LT) E4. Thus, the receptors for LTE4 that have been identified in mice are not functionally active in humans.
In addition to its direct effect of causing bronchoconstriction, it was also discovered that LTE4 activates mast cells, which represents a new mechanism that may explain the long-lasting effects of LTE4 despite the molecule itself being rapidly degraded. Finally, the data also lend support to the view that today's recommended dose of the asthma medicine montelukast may be too low.
Links to publication
Leukotriene E induces airflow obstruction and mast cell activation through the cysteinyl leukotriene type 1 receptor.
J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 2018 Oct;142(4):1080-1089
A new spin on mast cells and cysteinyl leukotrienes: Leukotriene E activates mast cells in vivo.
J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 2018 Oct;142(4):1056-1057