Histamine and the histamine receptors are important regulators of a plethora of biological processes, including immediate hypersensitivity reactions and acid secretion in the stomach.

In these roles, antihistamines have found widespread therapeutic applications, while the last receptor to be discovered, the H4 histamine receptor, has become a major target of novel therapeutics. Recent studies involving human genetic variance and the development of mice lacking specific receptors or the ability to generate histamine have shown roles for the histamine pathway that extend well beyond the established roles. These include identification of previously unappreciated mechanisms through which histamine regulates inflammation in allergy, as well as roles in autoimmunity, infection, and pain.

As a result, antihistamines may have wider applications in the future than previously predicted.

• Content Type Journal Article
• DOI 10.1007/s11882-010-0163-6
• Authors
  • Craig Smuda, Department of Medicine/Division of Allergy-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, McGaw M315, 240 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
  • Paul J. Bryce, Department of Medicine/Division of Allergy-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, McGaw M315, 240 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611, USA

• • Journal Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
  • Online ISSN 1534-6315
  • Print ISSN 1529-7322