Targeting of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Receptors as a Therapeutic Strategy for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Yun Dong,
Doortje W. Dekens,
Peter Paul De Deyn,
Petrus J. W. Naudé,
Ulrich L. M. Eisel
Affiliations
Yun Dong
Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
Doortje W. Dekens
Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
Peter Paul De Deyn
Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, The Netherlands
Petrus J. W. Naudé
Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
Ulrich L. M. Eisel
Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
Numerous studies have revealed the pleiotropic functions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and have linked it with several neurodegenerative disorders. This review describes the signaling pathways induced by TNF-α via its two receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2), and their functions in neurodegenerative processes as in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and ischemic stroke. It has become clear that TNF-α may exert divergent actions in neurodegenerative disorders, including neurodegenerative and neuroprotective effects, which appear to depend on its signaling via either TNFR1 or TNFR2. Specific targeting of these receptors is a promising therapeutic strategy for many disorders.
