PAF Receptor Antibodies

The platelet-activating factor receptor (PAF receptor) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that mediates the biological effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent phospholipid involved in inflammation, thrombosis, and immune responses. PAF receptor expression is tightly regulated by inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, microbial products, and transcription factors such as NF-κB, leading to cell type- and context-dependent expression patterns. The receptor is widely expressed in leukocytes, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, platelets, and various cancer cells. Upon activation, the PAF receptor triggers intracellular signaling pathways involving phospholipase C, calcium mobilization, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt cascades, thereby promoting inflammation, cell migration, and survival. Receptor activity is further controlled by desensitization, internalization, and ligand-induced downregulation. Dysregulated PAF receptor signaling has been implicated in asthma, cardiovascular disease, sepsis, and tumor progression. Several PAF receptor antagonists, including rupatadine (approved for allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria) and experimental compounds such as WEB-2086 and CV-6209, have been developed, although no highly selective PAF receptor-targeted therapy has yet gained widespread clinical use for inflammatory diseases. For more information on PAF receptor pharmacology please refer to the IUPHAR database. For further reading refer to:

Hills R, Ishii S, Jancar S, McIntyre T, Ninio E, Oliveira Rios FJ, O'Neill C, Travers JB, Whittaker M. Platelet-activating factor receptor in GtoPdb v.2023.1. IUPHAR/BPS Guide to Pharmacology CITE. 2023; 2023(1). Available from: https://doi.org/10.2218/gtopdb/F55/2023.1.

Alexander SPH, Davenport AP, Kelly E, Gibb AJ, Mathie AA, Peach CJ, Veale EL, Armstrong JF, Faccenda E, Harding SD, Southan C, Davies JA et al. (2025) The Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY 2025/26: G protein-coupled receptors. Br J Pharmacol. 182: S24-S151.