Anti-inflammatory properties of desloratadine

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is associated with robust infiltration of immune cells and mediators that may contribute to clinical manifestations of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To review the complex immune effector mechanisms involved in the allergic response and discuss their effects on the pathophysiological and clinical manifestations of AR. Desloratadine, a novel antihistamine, was used as a probe with the goal of attaining a better understanding of the inflammatory processes underlying the allergic response. METHODS: Data were obtained from abstracts and peer-reviewed journals. The pathophysiology of the allergic response has been extensively studied. This paper presents only data from studies that used desloratadine at physiologically relevant concentrations. RESULTS: Key mediators involved in the allergic response and in pathophysiological and clinical manifestations of the immune response were reviewed. Desloratadine was used as a probe to further elucidate the mechanisms involved during an allergic response. CONCLUSIONS: Some have proposed a link between the pathophysiology of AR and the clinical manifestation of symptoms. Desloratadine, a new-generation antihistamine, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in vitro; indeed, desloratadine is capable of intervening at various points in the immune cascade. Although in vitro results do not necessarily correlate with clinical efficacy, the anti-inflammatory properties of desloratadine may contribute to its efficacy in patients with AR, allergy-induced asthma, and other related allergic conditions. Antihistamines that modulate in the immune system at various stages may optimize treatment of allergic disease.