jnj-7777120 and clobenpropit

The histamine H(4) receptor (H(4)R) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays an important role in inflammation. Similar to the homologous histamine H(3) receptor (H(3)R), two acidic residues in the H(4)R binding pocket, D(3.32) and E(5.46), act as essential hydrogen bond acceptors of positively ionizable hydrogen bond donors in H(4)R ligands. Given the symmetric distribution of these complementary pharmacophore features in H(4)R and its ligands, different alternative ligand binding mode hypotheses have been proposed. The current study focuses on the elucidation of the molecular determinants of H(4)R-ligand binding modes by combining (3D) quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), protein homology modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and site-directed mutagenesis studies. We have designed and synthesized a series of clobenpropit (N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-S-[3-(4(5)-imidazolyl)propyl]isothiourea) derivatives to investigate H(4)R-ligand interactions and ligand binding orientations. Interestingly, our studies indicate that clobenpropit (2) itself can bind to H(4)R in two distinct binding modes, while the addition of a cyclohexyl group to the clobenpropit isothiourea moiety allows VUF5228 (5) to adopt only one specific binding mode in the H(4)R binding pocket. Our ligand-steered, experimentally supported protein modeling method gives new insights into ligand recognition by H(4)R and can be used as a general approach to elucidate the structure of protein-ligand complexes.

Topics: Cell Line, Tumor; Histamine Antagonists; Humans; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Imidazoles; Ligands; Models, Molecular; Molecular Conformation; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed; Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Receptors, Histamine; Receptors, Histamine H3; Receptors, Histamine H4; Stereoisomerism; Thiourea

We have previously reported that histamine at micromolar concentrations reduces the proliferation of melanoma cell lines. It is also known that melanoma cells express histamine H1, H2, and H3 receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of histamine H4 receptor (H4R) in human melanoma cells and its associated biological processes. To better understand the importance of histamine in tumor development, we explored the expression of H4R in human melanoma tissue biopsies. The expression of H4R in WM35 and M1/15 cells was analyzed by reverse-transcription-PCR, western blot, and immunocytochemistry. To characterize the biological responses we evaluated cell proliferation by clonogenic assay and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation. In addition, cell senescence and differentiation were determined by β-galactosidase enzyme assay and dopa oxidase activity, respectively. The expression levels of H4R were determined by immunohistochemistry in 19 samples of human malignant lesions. Results indicate that melanoma cells express H4R at the messenger RNA and protein levels. By using histamine agonists, antagonists, and H4R small-interfering RNA we showed that the inhibitory effect of histamine on proliferation was in part mediated through the stimulation of the H4R. The decrease in proliferation was associated with an induction of cell senescence and an increase in melanogenesis, which is a differentiation marker of these cells. Furthermore, H4R was expressed in 42% of human melanoma biopsies. To our knowledge, this is the first report that describes the presence of the H4R in melanoma cells and tissue, suggesting a potential therapeutic application of H4R ligands.

Topics: Cell Differentiation; Cell Growth Processes; Cell Line, Tumor; Guanidines; Histamine; Humans; Imidazoles; Immunohistochemistry; Indoles; Melanoma; Piperazines; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Receptors, Histamine; Receptors, Histamine H4; RNA, Messenger; Skin Neoplasms; Thiourea

Effects of the histamine H(4) receptor antagonist JNJ 7777120 (1-[(5-chloro-1H-indol-2-yl)carbonyl]-4-methylpiperazine) were tested in two models of allergic contact dermatitis. Dermatitis was induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene and toluene-2,4-diisocyanate, which differ in their Th1-Th2 profile in that way that 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene is a classical contact allergen with a pronounced Th1-mediated inflammation, while the respiratory chemical allergen toluene-2,4-diisocyanate induces a Th2-dominated inflammation. JNJ 7777120 (15 mg/kg) administered 2 h and 30 min before and 1 h after challenge did not reduce the hapten-induced ear swelling determined 24 h after challenge. This was confirmed by histological evaluation of the ear skin. A repeated administration of the haptens to the rostral part of the back of sensitized animals resulted in a frequent scratching behaviour. An administration of JNJ 7777120 (15 mg/kg) 30 min before challenge reduced this hapten-induced scratching significantly. The H(1) receptor antagonist cetirizine also reduced the scratching bouts in sensitized mice. A combination of H(1) and H(4) receptor antagonists resulted in the strongest inhibition of scratching behaviour associated with allergic dermatitis. These results indicate that H(4) receptor antagonism fails to reduce the allergic inflammatory response but strongly inhibits allergen-induced itch. Thus, a combination of H(4) and H(1) receptor antagonism might be a new strategy to treat pruritus related to allergic diseases like atopic dermatitis.

Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Haptens; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Imidazoles; Indoles; Inflammation; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Piperazines; Pruritus; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Receptors, Histamine; Receptors, Histamine H4; Th2 Cells; Thiourea; Time Factors

Histamine is a well known mediator of allergic skin diseases and, with the discovery of the histamine H(4) receptor, the role of histamine is re-evaluated. There are only limited published data elucidating the role of the histamine H(4) receptor in dogs. Twelve beagles intradermally injected with histamine (0.25 micromol and 2.5 micromol/site) reacted with a classical wheal and flare reaction. None of the dogs showed signs of pruritus. The dogs reacted with a wheal and flare reaction after intradermal injection of histamine H(4) receptor agonist/H(3) receptor antagonist clobenpropit (0.1 micromol) and selective histamine H(4) receptor agonist VUF 8430 (1.5 micromol). Again, no scratching occurred in any of the dogs. The highly selective histamine H(4) receptor antagonist JNJ 7777120 reduced the histamine-induced wheal reaction in nine out of 12 dogs. To determine whether canine mast cells are susceptible to histamine H(4) receptor-mediated reactions, effects of clobenpropit and VUF 8430 were tested in canine mastocytoma cells (C2). Incubation with histamine H(4) receptor agonists (up to 10 micromol/L) induced a distinct calcium(2+) influx. C2 cells also responded with enhanced chemotaxis when stimulated with histamine, VUF 8430 and clobenpropit. Neither VUF 8430, nor clobenpropit (up to 10 micromol/L) led to a modulation of histamine concentration in supernatants of canine mastocytoma cells, whereas mastoparan, used as a positive control, enhanced histamine concentration in supernatants. For treatment of allergic skin diseases in dogs, a combination of H(1)R and H(4)R antagonists might be advantageous.

Topics: Animals; Calcium; Cell Line; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Guanidines; Histamine; Histamine Agonists; Histamine Antagonists; Imidazoles; Indoles; Inflammation; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Male; Mastocytoma; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Peptides; Piperazines; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Receptors, Histamine; Skin Diseases; Thiourea; Wasp Venoms

The expression of the recently cloned histamine H(4) receptor (H(4)R) by leukocytes suggests a role in immunomodulation.. The expression and function of the H(4)R on human monocytes obtained from peripheral blood was investigated.. H(4)R expression was studied by using flow cytometry. Effects of H(4)R stimulation on Ca(2+) mobilization was determined fluorometrically, CCL2 production was determined by means of ELISA, intracellular CCL2 staining was measured with flow cytometry, and CCL2 mRNA was measured by using real-time quantitative LightCycler PCR. The relevance of CCL2 production was determined in chemotaxis transmigration assays.. H(4)R protein was expressed by monocytes and upregulated by IFN-gamma. H(4)R agonists (clobenpropit and 4-methylhistamine) induce a Ca(2+) mobilization in monocytes, which could be blocked with the selective H(4)R antagonist JNJ7,777,120. Furthermore, H(4)R agonists downregulated CCL2 protein production. This effect could also be blocked by JNJ7,777,120. Supernatants of H(4)R agonist-stimulated monocytes attracted less monocytes in transmigration assays. The downregulation of CCL2 production was regulated at different levels. First, the synthesis of CCL2 mRNA was significantly decreased. Second, intracellular staining suggested an inhibition of CCL2 secretion after stimulation with H(4)R agonists.. Human monocytes express the H(4)R, and its stimulation leads to a Ca(2+) influx and an inhibition of CCL2 production, resulting in a reduction of monocyte recruitment.. The H(4)R could represent an important anti-inflammatory receptor on monocytes and could be an interesting target for drug development.

Topics: Calcium; Cells, Cultured; Chemokine CCL2; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Down-Regulation; Histamine; Histamine Agonists; Humans; Imidazoles; Indoles; Interferon-gamma; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1; Matrix Metalloproteinase 3; Matrix Metalloproteinase 8; Methylhistamines; Monocytes; Piperazines; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Receptors, Histamine; Receptors, Histamine H4; Thiourea; Up-Regulation