Resolution phase lipid mediators of inflammation: agonists of resolution

Lipid mediators are appreciated for their roles in leukocyte traffic required in host defense. With identification of novel resolution phase mediators, resolvins, protectins and maresins, these three families and their aspirin-triggered forms, given their potent stereoselective actions with human cells and animal disease models, are coined specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM). Stereochemistries of key SPM are established and several groups reported organic synthesis. Given increased availability, this two-year-review period expands their potent pro-resolving and non-redundant actions. Collectively, they support the concept that return of acute inflammation involves active biosynthesis and SPM signaling toward homeostasis.