Lipoxins and lipoxin analogs in asthma

The pathobiology of asthma is characterized by production of eicosanoids, a diverse family of bioactive fatty acids that play important roles in regulating airway inflammation and reactivity. Lipoxins (LXs) are products of arachidonic acid metabolism that are distinct from leukotrienes (LTs) and prostaglandins (PGs) in structure and function. Unlike the pro-inflammatory PGs and LTs, LXs display counter-regulatory actions. Cell-type specific biological actions have been uncovered for LXs and LX stable analogs that promote resolution of acute inflammatory responses. At least two classes of receptors, CysLT1 receptors and LXA 4 receptors (named ALX), can interact with LXA 4 and LXA 4 analogs to mediate their biological actions. LXs are generated during asthma and LXA 4 signaling blocks asthmatic responses in humans and experimental model systems. Of interest, respiratory diseases of increased severity, such as aspirin-intolerant asthma, cystic fibrosis and steroid-dependent, severe asthma, display defective generation of these protective lipid signals. Together, these findings indicate a pivotal role for LXs in mediating airway homeostasis.