Molecular pharmacology of histamine H4 receptors

The histamine H-4 receptor (H4R) is the youngest member of the histamine receptor family. Based on its predominant expression pattern in hematopoietic cells, the H4R is considered to be an interesting drug target for inflammatory disorders such as allergy and asthma. Since the identification and cloning of the H4R in 2000, drug discovery programs boosted the development of various H4R (specific) ligands. Differences between H4R orthologs in combination with available three-dimensional G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) models have guided site-directed mutagenesis studies to gain insight in ligand binding and receptor activation. In addition, ongoing characterization of H4R-mediated signaling in transfected and native cells contributes to further unravel the (patho-) physiological functions of H(4)Rs.