Lipoxin B(4) promotes the resolution of allergic inflammation in the upper and lower airways of mice

Chronic mucosal inflammation is the hallmark of important and common airway diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. Lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) is an endogenous pro-resolving mediator for mucosal inflammation that decreases allergic and asthmatic responses. Lipoxin B(4) (LXB(4)) is a structurally distinct member of the lipoxin family that signals in a manner distinct from LXA(4). LXB(4) is generated by mucosal tissues, but its actions in allergic inflammation are unknown. Here, we used murine models of allergic rhinitis and asthma to investigate LXB(4)’s activity in mucosal inflammation. In the upper airway, LXB(4) significantly decreased nasal mucosal leukocytes and degranulation of mast cells and eosinophils. In the lower airway, LXB(4) significantly decreased airway inflammation, mucus metaplasia and hyper- responsiveness. Inhibition of mast cell degranulation in vivo by LXB(4) was more potent than dexamethasone, and these agents displayed unique profiles for cytokine regulation; however, their overall anti-inflammatory actions were comparable. LXB(4) decreased eotaxin-dependent eosinophil chemotaxis, IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation and expression of type 2 cytokine receptors. Together, these findings indicate that LXB(4) carries cell type selective and mucosal protective actions that broaden the lipoxin family’s therapeutic potential for upper and lower airway catabasis.