The Histamine H4 Receptor and Potential Therapeutic Uses for H4 Ligands

Histamine is a biogenic amine that plays a host of physiological roles and the three major functions for histamine have been largely defined by the activity of three receptors. The inflammatory wheal and flare response is driven by the H1 receptor [1]. The H2 receptor controls gastric acid secretion in the gut [2]. The H3 receptor is involved in neurotransmitter release in the central nervous system [3]. The recent discovery of the histamine H4 receptor by several groups has lead to the re-evaluation of the physiological role for histamine.