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Thurmond RL, Greenspan A, Radziszewski W, Xu XL, Miao Y, Chen B, Ge T, Zhou B, Baker DG, Pavlova D, Ritchlin CT, Tanaka Y, Takeuchi T, Smolen JS. Toreforant, A Histamine H4 Receptor Antagonist, in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Methotrexate Therapy: Results of 2 Phase II Studies. J Rheumatol 2016; 43:1637-42. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.160164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective.To assess toreforant (selective histamine H4 receptor antagonist) in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.In a phase IIa, double-blind, placebo-controlled test, 86 patients were randomized (2:1) to once-daily toreforant 100 mg or placebo for 12 weeks. In phase IIb, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-range–finding evaluations, 272 patients were randomized (1:1:1:1) to once-daily placebo or toreforant 3/10/30 mg. Primary efficacy endpoints for both studies were Week 12 changes in 28-joint Disease Activity Score–C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP).Results.Phase IIa testing was terminated prematurely (patient fatality; secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis). Posthoc analyses indicated toreforant 100 mg/day reduced RA signs/symptoms through Week 12. Phase IIb testing, however, showed no significant Week 12 improvement in DAS28-CRP with toreforant.Conclusion.Toreforant was not effective in phase IIb testing.
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Schneider EH, Seifert R. The histamine H4-receptor and the central and peripheral nervous system: A critical analysis of the literature. Neuropharmacology 2016; 106:116-28. [PMID: 25986697 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Expression and function of histamine H4R in central and peripheral nervous system have been a matter of controversy for more than a decade. The scientific discussion is often limited to a few publications postulating the presence of functional H4R on neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system, but the even larger number of reports showing negative data is often neglected. In this article, we critically review the existing literature on H4R in central and peripheral nervous system and discuss the weak points often overlooked by the community. We identified as most important problems (i) insufficient validation or quality of antibodies, (ii) missing knockout controls, (iii) uncritical interpretation of RT-PCR results instead of qPCR experiments, (iv) insufficient controls to confirm specificity of pharmacological tools, (v) uncritical reliance on results produced by a single method and (vi) uncritical reliance on results not reproduced by independent research groups. Additionally, there may be a publication as well as a citation bias favoring the awareness of positive results, but neglecting negative data. We conclude that H4R expression on neurons of the brain is not convincingly supported by the current literature, at least as long as the positive data are not reproduced by independent research groups. Expression and function of H4R on peripheral neurons or non-neuronal cells of the nervous system, specifically on microglia is an interesting alternative hypothesis that, however, requires further verification. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Histamine Receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich H Schneider
- Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Roland Seifert
- Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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Panula P, Chazot PL, Cowart M, Gutzmer R, Leurs R, Liu WLS, Stark H, Thurmond RL, Haas HL. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCVIII. Histamine Receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 67:601-55. [PMID: 26084539 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.010249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 362] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Histamine is a developmentally highly conserved autacoid found in most vertebrate tissues. Its physiological functions are mediated by four 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (H1R, H2R, H3R, H4R) that are all targets of pharmacological intervention. The receptors display molecular heterogeneity and constitutive activity. H1R antagonists are long known antiallergic and sedating drugs, whereas the H2R was identified in the 1970s and led to the development of H2R-antagonists that revolutionized stomach ulcer treatment. The crystal structure of ligand-bound H1R has rendered it possible to design new ligands with novel properties. The H3R is an autoreceptor and heteroreceptor providing negative feedback on histaminergic and inhibition on other neurons. A block of these actions promotes waking. The H4R occurs on immuncompetent cells and the development of anti-inflammatory drugs is anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pertti Panula
- Department of Anatomy, and Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland (P.P.); School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, United Kingdom (P.L.C.); AbbVie, Inc. North Chicago, Illinois (M.C.); Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (R.G.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands (R.L.); Ziarco Pharma Limited, Canterbury, United Kingdom (W.L.S.L.); Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry and Institute of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Westfalische-Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany (H.L.H.); Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Germany (H.S.); and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (R.L.T.)
| | - Paul L Chazot
- Department of Anatomy, and Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland (P.P.); School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, United Kingdom (P.L.C.); AbbVie, Inc. North Chicago, Illinois (M.C.); Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (R.G.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands (R.L.); Ziarco Pharma Limited, Canterbury, United Kingdom (W.L.S.L.); Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry and Institute of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Westfalische-Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany (H.L.H.); Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Germany (H.S.); and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (R.L.T.)
| | - Marlon Cowart
- Department of Anatomy, and Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland (P.P.); School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, United Kingdom (P.L.C.); AbbVie, Inc. North Chicago, Illinois (M.C.); Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (R.G.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands (R.L.); Ziarco Pharma Limited, Canterbury, United Kingdom (W.L.S.L.); Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry and Institute of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Westfalische-Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany (H.L.H.); Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Germany (H.S.); and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (R.L.T.)
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Department of Anatomy, and Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland (P.P.); School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, United Kingdom (P.L.C.); AbbVie, Inc. North Chicago, Illinois (M.C.); Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (R.G.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands (R.L.); Ziarco Pharma Limited, Canterbury, United Kingdom (W.L.S.L.); Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry and Institute of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Westfalische-Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany (H.L.H.); Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Germany (H.S.); and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (R.L.T.)
| | - Rob Leurs
- Department of Anatomy, and Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland (P.P.); School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, United Kingdom (P.L.C.); AbbVie, Inc. North Chicago, Illinois (M.C.); Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (R.G.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands (R.L.); Ziarco Pharma Limited, Canterbury, United Kingdom (W.L.S.L.); Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry and Institute of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Westfalische-Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany (H.L.H.); Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Germany (H.S.); and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (R.L.T.)
| | - Wai L S Liu
- Department of Anatomy, and Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland (P.P.); School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, United Kingdom (P.L.C.); AbbVie, Inc. North Chicago, Illinois (M.C.); Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (R.G.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands (R.L.); Ziarco Pharma Limited, Canterbury, United Kingdom (W.L.S.L.); Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry and Institute of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Westfalische-Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany (H.L.H.); Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Germany (H.S.); and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (R.L.T.)
| | - Holger Stark
- Department of Anatomy, and Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland (P.P.); School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, United Kingdom (P.L.C.); AbbVie, Inc. North Chicago, Illinois (M.C.); Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (R.G.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands (R.L.); Ziarco Pharma Limited, Canterbury, United Kingdom (W.L.S.L.); Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry and Institute of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Westfalische-Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany (H.L.H.); Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Germany (H.S.); and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (R.L.T.)
| | - Robin L Thurmond
- Department of Anatomy, and Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland (P.P.); School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, United Kingdom (P.L.C.); AbbVie, Inc. North Chicago, Illinois (M.C.); Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (R.G.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands (R.L.); Ziarco Pharma Limited, Canterbury, United Kingdom (W.L.S.L.); Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry and Institute of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Westfalische-Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany (H.L.H.); Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Germany (H.S.); and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (R.L.T.)
| | - Helmut L Haas
- Department of Anatomy, and Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland (P.P.); School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, United Kingdom (P.L.C.); AbbVie, Inc. North Chicago, Illinois (M.C.); Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (R.G.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecules, Medicines and Systems, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands (R.L.); Ziarco Pharma Limited, Canterbury, United Kingdom (W.L.S.L.); Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry and Institute of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Westfalische-Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany (H.L.H.); Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Germany (H.S.); and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (R.L.T.)
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Mocking TAM, Bosma R, Rahman SN, Verweij EWE, McNaught-Flores DA, Vischer HF, Leurs R. Molecular Aspects of Histamine Receptors. HISTAMINE RECEPTORS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-40308-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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5
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Deiteren A, De Man JG, Pelckmans PA, De Winter BY. Histamine H₄ receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:1165-78. [PMID: 25363289 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histamine is a well-established mediator involved in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms and exerts its effect through activation of four histamine receptors (H1-H₄). The histamine H₄ receptor is the newest member of this histamine receptor family, and is expressed throughout the gastrointestinal tract as well as in the liver, pancreas and bile ducts. Functional studies using a combination of selective and non-selective H₄ receptor ligands have rapidly increased our knowledge of H₄ receptor involvement in gastrointestinal processes both under physiological conditions and in models of disease. Strong evidence points towards a role for H₄ receptors in the modulation of immune-mediated responses in gut inflammation such as in colitis, ischaemia/reperfusion injury, radiation-induced enteropathy and allergic gut reactions. In addition, data have emerged implicating H₄ receptors in gastrointestinal cancerogenesis, sensory signalling, and visceral pain as well as in gastric ulceration. These studies highlight the potential of H₄ receptor targeted therapy in the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Deiteren
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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6
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Histamine H4-receptor expression in the brain? Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2014; 388:5-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-014-1067-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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7
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Liu WL. Histamine H4 receptor antagonists for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Drug Discov Today 2014; 19:1222-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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8
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Overexpression of histamine H4 receptors in the kidney of diabetic rat. Inflamm Res 2012; 62:357-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-012-0587-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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9
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Strasser A, Wittmann HJ, Buschauer A, Schneider EH, Seifert R. Species-dependent activities of G-protein-coupled receptor ligands: lessons from histamine receptor orthologs. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2012; 34:13-32. [PMID: 23228711 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2012.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Histamine is a biogenic amine that exerts its biological effects as a neurotransmitter and local mediator via four histamine receptor (HR) subtypes (H(x)Rs) - H(1)R, H(2)R, H(3)R, and H(4)R - belonging to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). All four H(x)Rs exhibit pronounced differences in agonist and/or antagonist pharmacology among various species orthologs. The species differences constitute a problem for animal experiments and drug development. This problem applies to GPCRs with diverse ligands. Here, we summarize our current knowledge on H(x)R orthologs as a case study for species-dependent activity of GPCR ligands. We show that species-specific pharmacology also provides unique opportunities to study important aspects of GPCR pharmacology in general, including ligand-binding sites, the roles of extracellular domains in ligand binding and receptor activation, agonist-independent (constitutive) receptor activity, thermodynamics of ligand/receptor interaction, receptor-activation mechanisms, and ligand-specific receptor conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Strasser
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry II, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M. Marson
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, Christopher Ingold Laboratories, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H OAJ, United Kingdom
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11
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Eisenschenk MNC, Torres SMF, Oliveira S, Been CS. The expression of histamine H4 receptor mRNA in the skin and other tissues of normal dogs. Vet Dermatol 2011; 22:396-400. [PMID: 21392139 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2011.00959.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The histamine 4 (H(4)) receptor was first cloned and characterized in 2000 using the human H(3) receptor DNA sequence. The H(4) receptor has been shown to participate in various aspects of inflammation, such as chemotaxis, upregulation of adhesion molecule expression and modulation of cytokine secretion. The primary goal of this study was to determine whether H(4) receptor mRNA is expressed in normal canine skin by performing an RT-PCR. An additional goal was to determine the expression of this receptor in the colon, liver, spleen and kidney. Tissues were collected from five healthy, young-adult pit bull dogs. Samples were immediately placed in RNAlater(®) solution and stored at -20°C until processed. The amplified products in all skin samples in addition to the colon, liver, spleen and kidney (variable expression) had the expected size of 400-500 bp. The sequenced amplicons matched the National Center for Biotechnology Information published sequence for the canine H(4) receptor. The study results showed that canine normal skin expresses the H(4) receptor mRNA. Further studies using immunohistochemistry should be conducted to demonstrate the expression of the H(4) receptor at the protein level and to localize the expression of this receptor in the skin.
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12
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Lim HD, de Graaf C, Jiang W, Sadek P, McGovern PM, Istyastono EP, Bakker RA, de Esch IJP, Thurmond RL, Leurs R. Molecular determinants of ligand binding to H4R species variants. Mol Pharmacol 2010; 77:734-43. [PMID: 20103609 DOI: 10.1124/mol.109.063040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The histamine H(4) receptor (H(4)R) is the latest identified histamine receptor to emerge as a potential drug target for inflammatory diseases. Animal models are employed to validate this potential drug target. Concomitantly, various H(4)R orthologs have been cloned, including the human, mouse, rat, guinea pig, monkey, pig, and dog H(4)Rs. In this article, we expressed all these H(4)R orthologs in human embryonic kidney 293T cells and compared their interactions with currently used standard H(4)R ligands, including the H(4)R agonists histamine, 4-methylhistamine, guanidinylethyl isothiourea (VUF 8430), the H(4)R antagonists 1-[(5-chloro-1H-indol-2-yl)carbonyl]-4-methylpiperazine (JNJ 7777120) and [(5-chloro-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)carbonyl]-4-methylpiperazine (VUF 6002), and the inverse H(4)R agonist thioperamide. Most of the evaluated ligands display significantly different affinities at the different H(4)R orthologs. These "natural mutants" of H(4)R were used to study ligand-receptor interactions by using chimeric human-pig-human and pig-human-pig H(4)R proteins and site-directed mutagenesis. Our results are a useful reference for ligand selection for studies in animal models of diseases and offer new insights in the understanding of H(4)R-ligand receptor interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman D Lim
- Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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RoÃbach K, Stark H, Sander K, Leurs R, Kietzmann M, Bäumer W. The histamine H4 receptor as a new target for treatment of canine inflammatory skin diseases. Vet Dermatol 2009; 20:555-61. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2009.00854.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Leurs R, Chazot PL, Shenton FC, Lim HD, de Esch IJP. Molecular and biochemical pharmacology of the histamine H4 receptor. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 157:14-23. [PMID: 19413568 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00250.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The elucidation of the human genome has had a major impact on histamine receptor research. The identification of the human H4 receptor by several groups has been instrumental for a new appreciation of the role of histamine in the modulation of immune function. In this review, we summarize the historical developments and the molecular and biochemical pharmacology of the H4 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Leurs
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Smits RA, Leurs R, de Esch IJP. Major advances in the development of histamine H4 receptor ligands. Drug Discov Today 2009; 14:745-53. [PMID: 19477292 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2009.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2009] [Revised: 04/21/2009] [Accepted: 05/08/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The search for new and potent histamine H4 receptor ligands is leading to a steadily increasing number of scientific publications and patent applications. Several interesting and structurally diverse compounds have been found, but fierce IP competition for a preferred 2-aminopyrimidine scaffold is becoming apparent. Recent investigations into the role of the histamine H(4)R in (patho)physiology and the use of H4R ligands in in vivo disease models reveal enormous potential in the field of inflammation and allergy, among others. The development of ligands that display activity at two or more histamine receptor (HR) subtypes is another clinical opportunity that is currently being explored. Taken together, the histamine H4R field is gearing up for clinical studies and has the potential to deliver another generation of blockbuster drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogier A Smits
- Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacochemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Zampeli E, Tiligada E. The role of histamine H4 receptor in immune and inflammatory disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 157:24-33. [PMID: 19309354 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00151.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery at the beginning of the 20th century, histamine has been established to play a pathophysiological regulatory role in cellular events through binding to four types of G-protein-coupled histamine receptors that are differentially expressed in various cell types. The discovery, at the turn of the millennium, that the histamine H4 receptor is largely expressed in haemopoietic cells as well as its chemotactic properties designate its regulatory role in the immune system. H4 receptors modulate eosinophil migration and selective recruitment of mast cells leading to amplification of histamine-mediated immune responses and eventually to chronic inflammation. H4 receptor involvement in dendritic cell activation and T cell differentiation documents its immunomodulatory function. The characterization of the H4 as the immune system histamine receptor directed growing attention towards its therapeutic exploitation in inflammatory disorders, such as allergy, asthma, chronic pruritus and autoimmune diseases. The efficacy of a number of H4 receptor ligands has been evaluated in in vivo and in vitro animal models of disease and in human biological samples. However, before reaching decisive conclusions on H4 receptor pathophysiological functions and therapeutic exploitation, identification of genetic polymorphisms and interspecies differences in its relative actions and pharmacological profile need to be addressed and taken into consideration. Despite certain variations in the reported findings, the available data strongly point to the H4 receptor as a novel target for the pharmacological modulation of histamine-transferred immune signals and offer an optimistic perspective for the therapeutic exploitation of this promising new drug target in inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Zampeli
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Strakhova MI, Nikkel AL, Manelli AM, Hsieh GC, Esbenshade TA, Brioni JD, Bitner RS. Localization of histamine H4 receptors in the central nervous system of human and rat. Brain Res 2008; 1250:41-8. [PMID: 19046950 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2008] [Revised: 10/19/2008] [Accepted: 11/01/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Existing data on the expression of H(4) histamine receptor in the CNS are conflicting and inconclusive. In this report, we present the results of experiments that were conducted in order to elucidate H(4) receptor expression and localization in the brain, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Here we show that transcripts of H(4) receptor are present in all analyzed regions of the human CNS, including spinal cord, hippocampus, cortex, thalamus and amygdala, with the highest levels of H(4) mRNA detected in the spinal cord. In rat, H(4) mRNA was detected in cortex, cerebellum, brainstem, amygdala, thalamus and striatum. Very low levels of H(4) mRNA were detected in hypothalamus, and no H(4) signal was detected in the rat hippocampus. Fairly low levels of H(4) mRNA were detected in examined peripheral tissues including spleen and liver. Interestingly, strong expression of H(4) mRNA was detected in the rat DRG and spinal cord. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed expression of H(4) receptors on neurons in the rat lumbar DRG and in the lumbar spinal cord. Our observations provide evidence of the H(4) presence in both human and rodent CNS and offer some insight into possible role of H(4) in itch and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina I Strakhova
- Neuroscience Research, Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abbott Laboratories, Department R4MN, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064, USA.
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Jiang W, Lim HD, Zhang M, Desai P, Dai H, Colling PM, Leurs R, Thurmond RL. Cloning and pharmacological characterization of the dog histamine H4 receptor. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 592:26-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.06.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2008] [Revised: 05/15/2008] [Accepted: 06/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lim HD, Jongejan A, Bakker RA, Haaksma E, de Esch IJP, Leurs R. Phenylalanine 169 in the Second Extracellular Loop of the Human Histamine H4 Receptor Is Responsible for the Difference in Agonist Binding between Human and Mouse H4 Receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008; 327:88-96. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.108.140343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Jongejan A, Lim HD, Smits RA, de Esch IJP, Haaksma E, Leurs R. Delineation of agonist binding to the human histamine H4 receptor using mutational analysis, homology modeling, and ab initio calculations. J Chem Inf Model 2008; 48:1455-63. [PMID: 18553960 DOI: 10.1021/ci700474a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A three-dimensional homology model of the human histamine H 4 receptor was developed to investigate the binding mode of a series of structurally diverse H 4-agonists, i.e. histamine, clozapine, and the recently described selective, nonimidazole agonist VUF 8430. Mutagenesis studies and docking of these ligands in a rhodopsin-based homology model revealed two essential points of interactions in the binding pocket, i.e. Asp3.32 and Glu5.46 (Ballesteros-Weinstein numbering system). It is postulated that Asp3.32 interacts in its anionic state, whereas Glu5.46 interacts in its neutral form. The hypothesis was tested with the point mutations D3.32N and E5.46Q. For the D3.32N no binding affinity toward any of the ligands could be detected. This is in sharp contrast to the E5.46Q mutant, which discriminates between various ligands. The affinity of histamine-like ligands was decreased approximately a 1000-fold, whereas the affinity of all other ligands remained virtually unchanged. The proposed model for agonist binding as well as ab initio calculations for histamine and VUF 8430 explain the observed differences in binding to the H 4R mutants. These studies provide a molecular understanding for the action of a variety of H 4 receptor-ligands. The resulting H 4 receptor model will be the basis for the development of new H 4 receptor-ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Jongejan
- Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Thurmond RL, Gelfand EW, Dunford PJ. The role of histamine H1 and H4 receptors in allergic inflammation: the search for new antihistamines. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2008; 7:41-53. [PMID: 18172439 DOI: 10.1038/nrd2465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 416] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Histamine has a key role in allergic inflammatory conditions. The inflammatory responses resulting from the liberation of histamine have long been thought to be mediated by the histamine H1 receptor, and H1-receptor antagonists--commonly known as antihistamines--have been used to treat allergies for many years. However, the importance of histamine in the pathology of conditions such as asthma and chronic pruritus may have been underestimated. Here, we review accumulating evidence suggesting that histamine indeed has roles in inflammation and immune function modulation in such diseases. In particular, the discovery of a fourth histamine receptor (H4) and its expression on numerous immune and inflammatory cells has prompted a re-evaluation of the actions of histamine, suggesting a new potential for H4-receptor antagonists and a possible synergy between H1 and H4-receptor antagonists in targeting various inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin L Thurmond
- Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C. San Diego, California 92121, USA.
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Zhang M, Venable JD, Thurmond RL. The histamine H4 receptor in autoimmune disease. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2006; 15:1443-52. [PMID: 17040202 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.15.11.1443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Histamine exerts its actions through four known receptors. The recently cloned histamine receptor, H4R, has been shown to have a role in chemotaxis and mediator release in various types of immune cells including mast cells, eosinophils, dendritic cells and T cells. H4R antagonists have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and efficacy in a number of disease models, such as those for asthma and colitis in vivo. Recently, H4R antagonists have been developed with high receptor affinity and specificity, which make them good tools for further characterisation of the receptor in animal models and, eventually, in humans. Histamine and the cells that produce it, such as mast cells and basophils, have long been thought to be involved in allergic conditions but there has recently been recognition that they may also play a role in various autoimmune diseases. Given this and the fact that the H4R has function in mast cells, dendritic cells and T cells, antagonists for the receptor may be useful in treating autoimmune diseases in addition to allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Zhang
- Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C., 3210 Merryfield Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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