Ltb4r2, also known as BLT2, is a low-affinity receptor for several eicosanoids and chemoattractants. It is involved in various biological processes related to inflammation. Leukotrienes, which can bind to Ltb4r2, are arachidonic acid-derived mediators of allergic and inflammatory reactions [2].

Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of Ltb4r2 in in vitro and in vivo models has shown significant effects. In male mice, selective ablation of Scd2 in activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSC) leads to reduced Ltb4r2, suppressing the CTNNB1 and YAP1 pathways and preventing liver tumorigenesis, suggesting the 12-HHTrE-Ltb4r2-CTNNB1-YAP1 pathway as a potential HCC therapeutic target [1]. In a zebrafish model, knockdown or chemical inhibition of BLT2 signaling impairs macrophage migration during inflammation, implicating it as a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory pathologies [3].

In conclusion, Ltb4r2 plays a crucial role in inflammation-related biological processes. Its inhibition in mouse and zebrafish models reveals its potential as a therapeutic target in liver cancer and inflammatory pathologies. These model-based studies provide valuable insights into the functions of Ltb4r2 and offer new directions for treating related diseases.

References:

1. Sinha, Sonal, Aizawa, Satoka, Nakano, Yasuhiro, Guccione, Ernesto, Tsukamoto, Hidekazu. 2023. Hepatic stellate cell stearoyl co-A desaturase activates leukotriene B4 receptor 2 - β-catenin cascade to promote liver tumorigenesis. In Nature communications, 14, 2651. doi:10.1038/s41467-023-38406-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37156770/

2. Yokomizo, Takehiko, Nakamura, Motonao, Shimizu, Takao. 2018. Leukotriene receptors as potential therapeutic targets. In The Journal of clinical investigation, 128, 2691-2701. doi:10.1172/JCI97946. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29757196/

3. Ermis, Ebru, Nargis, Titli, Webster, Kierstin, Anderson, Ryan M, Mirmira, Raghavendra G. 2023. Leukotriene B4 receptor 2 governs macrophage migration during tissue inflammation. In The Journal of biological chemistry, 300, 105561. doi:10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105561. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38097183/