Abstract

Ramatroban (Baynas, BAY u3405), a thromboxane A₂(TxA₂) antagonist marketed for allergic rhinitis, has been shown to partially attenuate prostaglandin (PG)D₂-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness in humans, as well as reduce antigen-induced early- and late-phase inflammatory responses in mice, guinea pigs, and rats. PGD₂ is known to induce eosinophilia following intranasal administration, and to induce eosinophil activation in vitro. In addition to the TxA₂ receptor, PGD₂ is known as a ligand for the PGD₂receptor, and the newly identified G-protein-coupled chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells (CRTH2). To fully characterize PGD₂-mediated inflammatory responses relevant to eosinophil activation, further analysis of the mechanism of action of ramatroban has now been performed. PGD₂-stimulated human eosinophil migration was shown to be mediated exclusively through activation of CRTH2, and surprisingly, these effects were completely inhibited by ramatroban. This is also the first report detailing an orally bioavailable small molecule CRTH2 antagonist. Our findings suggest that clinical efficacy of ramatroban may be in part mediated through its action on this Th2-, eosinophil-, and basophil-specific chemoattractant receptor.