Allergy & H4 Biology

Allergy and H4-Receptor Project

Allergic rhinitis is triggered by the exposure to airborne allergens and causes symptoms like watery eyes, running nose, itching, sneezing and headache. The associated inflammatory response can be painful. Allergic rhinitis affects an estimated 15-20% of the US population and represents a global market size in excess of $8bn.

Histamine plays an important role as local mediator in allergic rhinitis. The effects of histamine on chemotaxis are mediated in several immune cells through the H4 receptor. In eosinophils, for example, the polymerization of actin can be triggered by H4 receptor stimulation, subsequently leading to polarization and shape change. Besides the key role of the H4 receptor in chemotaxis, there is accumulating evidence of the involvement of this receptor in other mechanisms, e.g. the release of cytokines or the expression of adhesion molecules.

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