Abstract

Treatment of inflammatory diseases today is largely based on interrupting the synthesis or action of mediators that drive the host's response to injury. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, steroids and antihistamines, for instance, were developed on this basis. Although such small-molecule inhibitors have provided the main treatment for inflammatory arthropathies and asthma, they are not without their shortcomings. This review offers an alternative approach to the development of novel therapeutics based on the endogenous mediators and mechanisms that switch off acute inflammation and bring about its resolution. It is thought that this strategy will open up new avenues for the future management of inflammation-based diseases.

Author affiliations

1. William Harvey Research Institute, St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
2. Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0636, USA.
3. Respiratory Medicine Unit, Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK.

Correspondence to: Derek W. Gilroy¹ Email: d.w.gilroy@qmul.ac.uk

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