Title: The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR): A Novel Therapeutic Target for Pulmonary Diseases?

Authors: Shivanna, Binoy; Chu, Chun; Moorthy, Bhagavatula

Published In Int J Mol Sci, (2022 Jan 28)

Abstract: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a cytoplasmic transcription factor that is well-known for regulating xenobiotic metabolism. Studies in knockout and transgenic mice indicate that the AHR plays a vital role in the development of liver and regulation of reproductive, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and immune homeostasis. In this focused review on lung diseases associated with acute injury and alveolar development, we reviewed and summarized the current literature on the mechanistic role(s) and therapeutic potential of the AHR in acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Pre-clinical studies indicate that endogenous AHR activation is necessary to protect neonatal and adult lungs against hyperoxia- and cigarette smoke-induced injury. Our goal is to provide insight into the high translational potential of the AHR in the meaningful management of infants and adults with these lung disorders that lack curative therapies.

PubMed ID: 35163440

MeSH Terms: Acute Lung Injury/drug therapy; Acute Lung Injury/metabolism*; Animals; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism*; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia/drug therapy; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia/metabolism*; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects; Humans; Ligands; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/metabolism*; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism*