Targeting mast cells

Abstract

Mast cells play a key role in the induction of allergic disorders, such as asthma and rhinitis, through the release of mediators including histamine, arachidonate products, proteases and several cytokines, which are found in relatively high quantities in these cells. A significant number of therapeutic approaches for allergies have been designed based on antagonising specific mediators released from mast cells and on selectively inhibiting the activation of these cells. Classical mast cell stabilisers, such as sodium cromoglycate, continue to attract new developments based on improved formulation and delivery systems, while efforts to identify new pathway (e.g., tyrosine kinase Syk) inhibitors or mediator (e.g., prostaglandin D₂, β-tryptase) antagonists may bring new successes to this field.

• cromoglycate
• mast cells
• mast-cell stabiliser
• prostagandin D2
• β-tryptase
• tyrosine kinase Syk