Tachykinins and kinins in airway allergy

Using models of airway diseases, our understanding of the role of tachykinins and kinins in airway pathophysiology has been greatly enhanced by the recent development of a large series of peptide, peptoid and non-peptide antagonists for tachykinin and kinin receptors. This article reviews the experimental findings of the contribution of kinins and tachykinins and their respective receptors, in models of airway inflammation in response to agents known to trigger or worsen asthma attacks, such as antigen and cold air. Some new antagonists, mostly of a non-peptide nature, exhibit excellent pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles; a brief account of early clinical studies in which they have been used is also given.