Role of the LTB4/BLT1 pathway in allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.

LTB4, a proinflammatory lipid mediator generated from arachidonic acid through the action of 5-lipoxygenase, has been known for over two decades and is implicated in a wide variety of inflammatory disorders. BLT1, a G-protein-coupled receptor, has recently been identified as a high affinity receptor specific for LTB4. Recent studies in allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation using mice lacking BLT1 have shown crucial new roles for leukotriene B4 and BLT1 in Th2 cytokine IL-13 production from lung T cells and recruitment of antigen-specific effector CD8+ T cells, suggesting novel mechanisms for their actions. The leukotriene B4-BLT1 pathway is an important target for the treatment of bronchial asthma.