Work

The Emerging Role of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Models

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common disabling neurologic disease of young adults, is considered a classical T cell-mediated disease and is characterized by demyelination, axonal damage, and progressive neurological dysfunction. The currently available disease-modifying therapies are limited in their efficacy, and improved understanding of new pathways contributing to disease pathogenesis could reveal additional novel therapeutic targets. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is known to be triggered by stress stimuli and to contribute to inflammatory responses. Importantly, a number of recent studies have identified this signaling pathway as a central player in MS and its principal animal model, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Here, we review the evidence from mouse and human studies supporting the role of p38 MAPK in regulating key immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system and the potential of targeting this pathway as a disease-modifying therapy in MS.

Source: Molecular and Cellular Biology

DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00688-13

Authors: Dimitry N. Krementsov, Tina M. Thornton, Cory Teuscher, Mercedes Rincon

Institution: University of Vermont

Language: English

Topic: Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke