Pro-resolving lipid mediators in allergic inflammation

The resolution of inflammation is now recognized as an active process involving various cellular and molecular mechanisms which participate in the return to the state of homeostasis. A family of lipid mediators possessing potent functions in the endogenous mechanisms against regulation of inflammation and activation of the resolution of the inflammatory process was recently identified. These mediators, named lipoxin, protectin, resolvin, and maresin, are locally formed at the site of inflammation shortly after the initiation of an inflammatory response. Some of these mediators demonstrate key roles in the allergic inflammatory response in animals. It can be reasonably believed that these mediators also control the intensity and duration of the allergic response in humans. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.