| abstract |
Human mast cell activation is modulated by ATP binding to P2-purinoceptors on the mast cell surface. ATP binding to the purinoceptors provides a target for therapeutic intervention for the treatment of disorders characterized by undesirable mast cell mediator release, such as asthma and allergy. Inhibitors of ATP binding to mast cell P2-purinoceptors are useful therapeutic agents for treatment of those disorders. Methods of treatment using such agents, and in vitro screening assays for selection of the therapeutic agents, are described. |