Leukotrienes as key mediators and amplifiers in allergic inflammation: insights from the bench and clinic.

Lipid mediators, such as leukotrienes (LTs) and prostaglandins (PGs), have a variety of physiological roles through their respective receptors. They are involved in both the maintenance of homoeostasis and the pathobiology of many diseases. Recent developments in relevant gene-targeted animals and receptor-selective compounds have significantly advanced our understanding of the role of lipid mediators in the immune system. In the Viewpoint entitled, 'Leukotrienes orchestrating allergic skin inflammation', Dr Sadik and colleagues provide a comprehensive overview of the current progress on the new roles of LTs in cutaneous allergy and sketch important future research avenues.