[Regulation of the immune response using leukotrienes].

Leukotrienes are derived from lipoxygenation in position 5 of arachidonic acid. They have numerous biological activities, mainly in inflammatory processes. During the last few years, however, it has become quite evident that they also possess a potential for immunoregulation. In particular, LTB4 can induce suppressor cells, activate the synthesis and production of lymphokines such as interleukin 2 or interferon-gamma, stimulate the production of interleukin 1 by monocytes or macrophages, and activate cytotoxic cells against virus-infected or tumor target cells. These findings suggest that LTB4 can play an important role in the interaction between inflammatory and immune phenomena.