Mast cell signalling: a patent review

Mast cells, basophils and eosinophils are the effector cells in Type I (imm ediate hypersensitivity or immunoglobulin E (IgE)-associated) allergic diso rders. The release of granule-associated/lipid mediators as well as the pro duction of various cytokines/chemokines is intimately linked to the acute a nd late phase symptoms observed in atopic patients. Perhaps standing at the beginning of many if not all chronic allergic inflammatory conditions with high specific IgE levels. Binding of IgE to the high affinity Fc epsilon R I receptor, which is constitutively expressed on mast cells, basophils, and some eosinophils, and its crosslinking via allergen initiates the resultin g pathology. The relative specificity of the ligand (IgE)/receptor (Fc epsi lon RI) interaction and the discovery of specific intracellular signalling cascades in other cell types has prompted efforts to interfere at these lev els with the activation of those effector cells. Here we report on the phar maceutical endeavours over the last 5 years - reflected in the patent liter ature in the area of mast cell signalling inhibitors. Those 'potential drug s' are under development for several allergic manifestations such as allerg ic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic asthma as well as acute and chronic urticaria.