New insights on the involvement of Nerve Growth Factor in allergic inflammation and fibrosis.
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), that was originally discovered for its properties of stimulating growth and differentiation of neurons, is now also considered responsible for several activities in the immune system and beyond. Mast cells and eosinophils, key cells of allergic inflammation, are a source of NGF and are influenced by it. These observations have prompted studies on NGF in allergy and tissue repair. Recent evidences link NGF and these two processes. While NGF is clearly a new tool in the management of untreatable ulcers, its role in allergic inflammation, although appearing to be pro-inflammatory, is still not clearly defined.
Micera
Alessandra
A
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, PO Box 12065, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
Puxeddu
Ilaria
I
Aloe
Luigi
L
Levi-Schaffer
Francesca
F
D000818:Animals; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000276:immunology
D020932:Nerve Growth Factor