

Author: Izuhara K. Shirakawa T. Adra C.N. Hamasaki N. Hopkin J.M.
Publisher: Informa Healthcare
ISSN: 1472-8222
Source: Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, Vol.3, Iss.3, 1999-09, pp. : 381-389
Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.
Abstract
It has been shown that interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. As IL-4 receptor chain (IL-4R) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6) are essential molecules for signal transduction by IL-4 and IL-13, it has been reasoned that these molecules are good targets for allergic diseases. Soluble IL-4R, mutated IL-4 (IL-4 mutein), IL-4&dgr;2, anti-IL-4R antibody and ligand-toxin are listed as reagents to block the binding of IL-4 and/or IL-13 to its receptor, whereas Jak-binding protein (JAB)/Stat-induced Stat inhibitor (SSI)/Suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS) and protein inhibitor of activated Stat (PIAS) have the potential to block Stat6 activation. Many low molecular weight compounds for that purpose are currently under study. Investigation and development of these reagents will be beneficial for the treatment of allergic patients in the near future. As allergic diseases are heterogeneous disorders in point of their aetiology and pathological features, combining information about them with a more precise understanding of drug targets will lead to more effective treatments.
Related content




Emerging therapeutic targets in angiogenesis
By Jones A. Zhang H-T. Harris A.L.
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, Vol. 2, Iss. 2, 1998-12 ,pp. :


Emerging therapeutic targets for glioblastoma multiform
By Jain K.
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, Vol. 3, Iss. 4, 1999-12 ,pp. :

