FLAP: a novel drug target for inhibiting the synthesis of leukotrienes

FLAP (5-lipoxygenase-activating protein) is a novel 18 kDa membrane protein that together with 5-lipoxygenase is required for cellular leukotriene biosynthesis. Tony Ford-Hutchinson describes a novel class of leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitor, exemplified by MK0886, that can bind to FLAP with high affinity, prevent the activation of 5-lipoxygenase by preventing the translocation of the enzyme from the cytosol to the membrane and inhibit leukotriene production. The term 'translocation inhibitors' may be used for inhibitors such as MK0886 and may represent a new class of drug.