The role of histamine H4 receptors as a potential targets in allergic rhinitis and asthma

Abstract

Histamine—the\rmain product of mast cells plays critical role in the pathogenetic pathways of\rboth allergic rhinitis and asthma. The novel concept of the unique airway\rdiseases its only supported by the similarities within pathogenetic process.\rAntagonists of H1 and H2 receptors are quite effective in allergic rhinitis,\rbut not effective enough in asthma. In an era of corticosteroids, leucotriene\rantagonists and Anti-IgE treatment, there is still a challenge to search for\rmore effective, more acurate and more safe treatment option. Antagonists\r(inversive agonists) of histamine receptors H4 seems to be one of the promising\rtargets in the allergic rhinitis and asthma treatment. The first H4 antagonist\rentered to clinics and the results from a proof-of-concept Phase II clinical\rstudy is expected to be disclosed soon. This review article summarizes\rcurrent knowledge on H4R that have been collected in various studies sharing\revidences about efficacy of H4R as a reasonable target for diseases with\rhistamine involved pathogenetic pathways.