Interpreting crosstalk between TNF-alpha and NGF: potential implications for disease.
Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine, whereas nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin that can promote neural cell survival, differentiation and maturation. However, recent papers indicate that TNF-alpha has a pivotal role in fate decisions of neural cells in normal noninflammatory conditions, whereas NGF contributes to maintenance of inflammation. Although these observations suggest a close relationship between NGF and TNF-alpha signalling, crosstalk between these factors is not fully understood. In this Opinion article, we review recent reports regarding possible crosstalk between NGF and TNF-alpha and we propose a positive-feedback loop of their expression. We discuss the possible mechanisms by which disturbance of the crosstalk could contribute to diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Takei
Yoshinori
Y
Medical Research Council (MRC) Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK. yt215@cam.ac.uk
Laskey
Ronald
R
D000818:Animals; D004194:Disease; D006801:Humans; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D020239:Receptor Cross-Talk; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor