Histamine H4 receptor

Histamine H4 receptor is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HRH4 gene. The H4 receptor is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily and is one of the four known histamine receptors.

Function

The histamine H4 receptor, like the other three histamine receptors, binds histamine to signal an immune response. However, the H4 receptor is unique in that it is mainly expressed on cells of the immune system, such as mast cells, eosinophils, dendritic cells, and T cells. This receptor plays a key role in the chemotaxis, or movement, of these cells to sites of inflammation.

Clinical significance

The H4 receptor has been implicated in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and atopic dermatitis. As such, it is a target for drug development, with several H4 receptor antagonists currently in clinical trials.

Pharmacology

The H4 receptor is a target for a number of drugs, including antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs work by blocking the action of histamine at the H4 receptor, thereby reducing inflammation and allergic reactions.

See also

• Histamine receptor
• Histamine H1 receptor
• Histamine H2 receptor
• Histamine H3 receptor

References

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