Prostaglandin DP2 receptor

Prostaglandin D2 receptor 2 (also known as DP2, CRTH2, or GPR44) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PTGDR2 gene. DP2 is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family and is a receptor for prostaglandin D2 (PGD2).

Function

The DP2 receptor is one of two G protein-coupled receptors that have been identified as receptors for prostaglandin D2. The other receptor is known as DP1. DP2 is expressed on the surface of various types of white blood cells, including eosinophils, basophils, and T helper cells.

When PGD2 binds to the DP2 receptor, it triggers a cascade of intracellular events including an increase in the intracellular concentration of calcium ions and the activation of the protein kinase pathway. This leads to a response in the cell, such as chemotaxis, the movement of a cell in response to a chemical stimulus.

Clinical significance

The DP2 receptor has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. In these conditions, the activation of the DP2 receptor by PGD2 leads to an inflammatory response, which contributes to the symptoms of the disease.

Several drugs that block the DP2 receptor have been developed for the treatment of these conditions. These drugs, known as DP2 antagonists, prevent PGD2 from binding to the DP2 receptor, thereby reducing the inflammatory response.

See also

• Prostaglandin receptors
• G protein-coupled receptor

External links

• GeneReviews/NCBI/NIH/UW entry on PTGDR2