Therapeutic Potential for Intractable Asthma by Targeting L-Type Amino Acid Transporter 1

Abstract

Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease characterized by airway inflammation, obstruction, and hyperresponsiveness. CD4+ T cells, particularly T helper (Th) 2 cells, and their specific cytokines are important mediators in asthma pathogenesis. However, it has been established that Th subsets, other than Th2, as well as various cell types, including innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), significantly contribute to the development of allergic inflammation. These cells require facilitated amino acid uptake to ensure their full function upon activation. Emerging studies have suggested the potential of pharmacological inhibition of amino acid transporters to inhibit T cell activation and the application of this strategy for treating immunological and inflammatory disorders. In the present review, we explore the possibility of targeting L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) as a novel therapeutic approach for bronchial asthma, including its steroid-resistant endotypes.