Mast cell signalling: a patent review

Abstract

Mast cells, basophils and eosinophils are the effector cells in Type I (immediate hypersensitivity or immunoglobulin E (IgE)-associated) allergic disorders. The release of granule-associated/lipid mediators as well as the production of various cytokines/chemokines is intimately linked to the acute and late phase symptoms observed in atopic patients. Perhaps standing at the beginning of many if not all chronic allergic inflammatory conditions with high specific IgE levels. Binding of IgE to the high affinity FcεRI receptor, which is constitutively expressed on mast cells, basophils, and some eosinophils, and its crosslinking via allergen initiates the resulting pathology. The relative specificity of the ligand (IgE)/receptor (FcεRI) interaction and the discovery of specific intracellular signalling cascades in other cell types has prompted efforts to interfere at these levels with the activation of those effector cells. Here we report on the pharmaceutical endeavours over the last 5 years - reflected in the patent literature - in the area of mast cell signalling inhibitors. Those ‘potential drugs’ are under development for several allergic manifestations such as allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic asthma as well as acute and chronic urticaria.

• anti-inflammatory
• FcεRI/IgE
• inhibition
• mast cells
• signalling