Current Issues in Molecular Biology (Nov 2023)

Nerve Growth Factor and Autoimmune Diseases

  • Sergio Terracina,
  • Giampiero Ferraguti,
  • Luigi Tarani,
  • Francesca Fanfarillo,
  • Paola Tirassa,
  • Massimo Ralli,
  • Giannicola Iannella,
  • Antonella Polimeni,
  • Marco Lucarelli,
  • Antonio Greco,
  • Marco Fiore

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45110562
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 45, no. 11
pp. 8950 – 8973

Abstract

Read online

NGF plays a crucial immunomodulatory role and increased levels are found in numerous tissues during autoimmune states. NGF directly modulates innate and adaptive immune responses of B and T cells and causes the release of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters controlling the immune system activation in inflamed tissues. Evidence suggests that NGF is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous immune diseases including autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, mastocytosis, and chronic granulomatous disease. Furthermore, as NGF levels have been linked to disease severity, it could be considered an optimal early biomarker to identify therapeutic approach efficacy. In conclusion, by gaining insights into how these molecules function and which cells they interact with, future studies can devise targeted therapies to address various neurological, immunological, and other disorders more effectively. This knowledge may pave the way for innovative treatments based on NGF manipulation aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals affected by diseases involving neurotrophins.

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