Toll-like receptors in peripheral nerve injury and neuropathic pain.
Peripheral nerve injury triggers a series of responses in the injured nerve, such as the dissolution of distal axons, the activation of Schwann cells, the production of various proinflammatory mediators, and the infiltration of circulating immune cells. These orchestrated events regulate the degeneration and subsequent regeneration of the injured nerve. In addition, peripheral nerve injury often accompanies chronic pain. Studies in this field have revealed that spinal cord microglia activation plays a critical role in the development of pain hypersensitivity. Recent studies using genetically modified mice indicate that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in nerve degeneration (Wallerian degeneration) and chronic pain (neuropathic pain) development after nerve injury. Here, we review studies that have implicated TLRs in mediating nerve degeneration/regeneration and neuropathic pain following nerve injury. In addition, we discuss possible mechanisms underlying the roles of TLRs in these neurological disorders.
Kim
Donghoon
D
Program in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, DRI, BK21, Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Lee
Soojin
S
Lee
Sung Joong
SJ
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000276:immunology*; D010146:Pain / Q000276:immunology*; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000276:immunology; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000276:immunology*; D014855:Wallerian Degeneration / Q000276:immunology*
D051193:Toll-Like Receptors