The Melanocortin System in Control of Inflammation
Anna Catania, Caterina Lonati, Andrea Sordi et al.
Research Article — Peer-Reviewed Source
Original research published by Catania et al. in The Scientific World JOURNAL. Redistributed under Open Access — see publisher for license terms. MedTech Research Group provides these references for informational purposes. We do not conduct original research. All studies are the work of their respective authors and institutions.
Melanocortin peptides, the collective term for alpha-, beta-, and gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-, beta-, gamma-MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), are elements of an ancient modulatory system. Natural melanocortins derive from the common precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Five receptor subtypes for melanocortins (MC1-MC5) are widely distributed in brain regions and in peripheral cells. Melanocortin receptor activation by natural or synthetic ligands exerts marked anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. The anticytokine action and the inhibitory influences on inflammatory cell migration make melanocortins potential new drugs for treatment of inflammatory disorders. Effectiveness in treatment of acute, chronic, and systemic inflammatory disorders is well documented in preclinical studies. Further, melanocortins are promising compounds in neuroprotection. This review examines the main signaling circuits in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions of melanocortins, and the potential therapeutic use of these molecules.
Abstract
Melanocortin peptides, the collective term for α-, β-, and γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-, β-, γ-MSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), are elements of an ancient modulatory system. Natural melanocortins derive from the common precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Five receptor subtypes for melanocortins (MC 1 -MC 5 ) are widely distributed in brain regions and in peripheral cells. Melanocortin receptor activation by natural or synthetic ligands exerts marked anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. The anticytokine action and the inhibitory influences on inflammatory cell migration make melanocortins potential new drugs for treatment of inflammatory disorders. Effectiveness in treatment of acute, chronic, and systemic inflammatory disorders is well documented in preclinical studies. Further, melanocortins are promising compounds in neuroprotection. This review examines the main signaling circuits in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions of melanocortins, and the potential therapeutic use of these molecules.
| DOI | 10.1100/tsw.2010.173 |
| PubMed ID | 20852827 |
| PMC ID | PMC5763663 |
| Journal | The Scientific World JOURNAL |
| Year | 2010 |
| Authors | Anna Catania, Caterina Lonati, Andrea Sordi, Andrea Carlin, Patrizia Leonardi, Stefano Gatti |
| License | Open Access — see publisher for license terms |
| Citations | 175 |