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Updated: Aug 7, 2025

Real-time Imaging of Leukotriene B4 Mediated Cell Migration and BLT1 Interactions with β-arrestin
Published on: December 23, 2010
The leukotriene B4 receptors BLT1 and BLT2 as potential therapeutic targets
Takehiko Yokomizo1, Takao Shimizu2,3
1Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Leukotriene B4 (LTB4 ) was recognized as an arachidonate-derived chemotactic factor for inflammatory cells and an important drug target even before the molecular identification of its receptors. We cloned the high- and low-affinity LTB4 receptors, BLT1 and BLT2, respectively, and examined their functions by generating and studying gene-targeted mice. BLT1 is involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and immune diseases, including asthma, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, age-related macular degeneration, and immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. Meanwhile, BLT2 is a high-affinity receptor for 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid, which is involved in the maintenance of dermal and intestinal barrier function, and the acceleration of skin and corneal wound healing. Thus, BLT1 antagonists and BLT2 agonists are promising candidates in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
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