The arachidonic acid cascade: an immunologically based review

Certain polyunsaturated 20-carbon fatty acids can undergo oxidation to form prostaglandins (PGs), thromboxanes (TX), and leukotrienes (LTs). Various cells, including immunologic cells which constitute the immune system, are able to release these metabolites. Outlining the role that such eicosanoids play in the immune response will be the primary focus of this review.