Twitter Conference: CCR4 Receptor as a Potential Treatment Target in Asthma?

Twitter updates:

• Attending a lecture about the role of IL 13 and CCR5 in asthma, anti-CCR5 drugs inhibit downstream effects of IL 13
  
  
• CCR5 receptor is present on CD4 lymphocytes and is used by the HIV virus to enter the cell along with the CD4 receptor
  
  
• Anti-CCR5 drugs could be used to treat both HIV and asthma, Maraviroc is an example
  
  
• 1% of European population carries a CCR5 mutation making such people "resistant" to HIV. Are they at lower risk of asthma?
  
  
• The same CCR5 mutation supposedly protected its carriers agains bubonic plague in middle ages. It was therefore 'promoted' in the evolution process.
  
  
• CCR5-delta32 mutation reduces risk of nonatopic asthma http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov...

Evidence for the cure of HIV infection by CCR5 delta 32/delta 32 stem cell transplantation http://j.mp/gwDMH5 and http://j.mp/fQJAlM

SNPs associated with atopic diseases

Filaggrin gene

Filaggrin is essential for epidermal barrier function. SNP associated with eczema and asthma.

17q12-21 gene

ORMDL3 protein defects associated with asthma.

5q22-32 gene

CD14 is a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor. SNPs associated with asthma and atopy.

3p21-22 gene

CCR5 is a chemokine receptor. SNP can be protective against asthma.

Xp22 gene

TLR7 and TLR8 are recognition receptors for viral ssRNA. SNPs assciated with asthma, rhinitis, atopic dermatitis.

5q31 gene

IL-13 is a cytokine that induces IgE secretion, mucus production, and collagen synthesis (fibrosis). SNPs associated with asthma.

ADRB2 gene

ADRB2 gene encodes β2-adrenergic receptor. Argenteum (Arg) or Arg/Arg phenotype associated with decreased albuterol response compared to Gly/Gly phenotype at residue 16.

ADAM33 gene

Type 1 transmembrane protein involved in cell-to-cell interactions. SNPs associated with asthma.

References:
A small-molecule compound targeting CCR5 and CXCR3 prevents the development of asthma. Eur Respir J 2007, doi:10.1183/09031936.00111507.
Association of CCR5-delta32 mutation with reduced risk of nonatopic asthma in Slovenian children. J Asthma. 2008 Nov;45(9):780-4.