Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Real-time Imaging of Leukotriene B4 Mediated Cell Migration and BLT1 Interactions with β-arrestin
Published on: December 23, 2010
Cysteinyl leukotrienes induce IL-4 release from cord blood-derived human eosinophils
Christianne Bandeira-Melo1, John C Hall, John F Penrose
1Division of Allergy and Inflammation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass 02215, USA.
Background:
Eosinophils contain preformed stores of IL-4 within their cytoplasmic granules, but physiologic stimuli to release IL-4 from eosinophils are not yet defined.
Objective:
We evaluated whether cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) could elicit IL-4 release from eosinophils.
Methods:
We used a dual-antibody capture and detection assay (EliCell) for IL-4 release and used eosinophils differentiated in vitro from human cord blood-derived progenitors.
Results:
Leukotriene (LT) C4, LTD4, and LTE4 each elicited the rapid, vesicular transport-mediated, dose- and time-dependent release of IL-4 from eosinophils. Both LTD4 and LTE4 evoked similar and earlier IL-4 release than LTC4. LTC4 did not act directly but only after conversion to LTD4 because an inhibitor of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, acivicin, blocked LTC4-induced IL-4 release. MK571 and LY171833, receptor antagonists for CysLT1 and not CysLT2, and pertussis toxin inhibited LTC4-, LTD4-, and LTE4-induced IL-4 release. Cord blood-differentiated eosinophils contained CysLT1 protein detectable by means of immunoblotting.
Conclusion:
CysLTs acting through G(i) protein-coupled and MK571- and LY171833-inhibitable receptors on cord blood-derived human eosinophils can act as autocrine or paracrine mediators to stimulate the rapid, nonexocytotic release of preformed IL-4.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma I: Introduction

