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Cysteinyl leukotrienes in TH2 cells showed link for development of asthma, allergic disease

Cysteinyl leukotrienes, lipid mediators that exacerbate the symptoms of asthma and other disorders, also play a key role in the creation and development of asthma, according to study results.

The U.K. study was designed to determine whether human T_H2 cells express cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 gene/mRNA (CYSLTR1) and whether these T_H2 cells are thus a target of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CYSLTs).

Investigators took blood samples from a small group of anonymous male donors aged 25 to 40 years who did not have asthma nor any other disease. All specimens had their naïve CD4⁺ cells isolated.

Using real-time polymerase chain reaction in T_H1 and T_H2 cells, the investigators evaluated the cells’ expression of CYSLTR1. Utilizing calcium flux, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and chemotaxic assays, they also assessed the expression of CYSLT receptor 1 protein (CYSLT₁).

The investigators said their results showed “for the first time, that human T_H2 cells selectively express CYSLTR1 mRNA with 6.5-fold higher expression than human T_H1 cells.”

The results also indicated that CYSLT₁ is expressed by T_H2 cells, and leukotriene D₄, a CYSLT, is potently “chemotactic for T_H2 cells.”

Disclosure: See the study for a full list of relevant disclosures.