Abstract
Inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) may occur as a result of trauma, infection or neurodegenerative stimuli and is characterized by activation of microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS. Activated microglia proliferate rapidly, migrate to the site of injury or infection and elicit immune response by phagocytosis of cell debris, production of cytokines, chemokines and reactive oxygen species, and presentation of antigens to other immune cells. In addition, microglia participate in tissue repair by producing neurotrophic factors. However, when microglia are chronically activated, they become neurotoxic to the surrounding CNS parenchyma.
Chronic activation of microglia has been shown to augment neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), brain injury and number of other CNS pathologies. Identification of factors that control microglial activation, therefore, has become the major focus of recent research. A number of herbal and chemical compounds have been shown to attenuate microglial activation. However, these compounds exhibit non-specificity and produce unpleasant side-effects. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on some of the currently available drugs known to reduce microglial activation, their molecular targets and the subcellular signaling networks on which they act. We also review some of the newly emerging therapeutic avenues such as ‘epidrugs’ and finally emphasize on the importance of targeted drug delivery systems for alleviating microglia-mediated neurotoxicity.
Keywords: Microglia, inflammation, brain injury, neurodegeneration, retinoic acid, glucocorticoids, minocycline, miRNA, epigenetics.
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets
Title:Potential Drugs Targeting Microglia: Current Knowledge and Future Prospects
Volume: 12 Issue: 6
Author(s): Parakalan Rangarajan, Ling Eng-Ang and S. Thameem Dheen
Affiliation:
Keywords: Microglia, inflammation, brain injury, neurodegeneration, retinoic acid, glucocorticoids, minocycline, miRNA, epigenetics.
Abstract: Inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) may occur as a result of trauma, infection or neurodegenerative stimuli and is characterized by activation of microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS. Activated microglia proliferate rapidly, migrate to the site of injury or infection and elicit immune response by phagocytosis of cell debris, production of cytokines, chemokines and reactive oxygen species, and presentation of antigens to other immune cells. In addition, microglia participate in tissue repair by producing neurotrophic factors. However, when microglia are chronically activated, they become neurotoxic to the surrounding CNS parenchyma.
Chronic activation of microglia has been shown to augment neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), brain injury and number of other CNS pathologies. Identification of factors that control microglial activation, therefore, has become the major focus of recent research. A number of herbal and chemical compounds have been shown to attenuate microglial activation. However, these compounds exhibit non-specificity and produce unpleasant side-effects. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on some of the currently available drugs known to reduce microglial activation, their molecular targets and the subcellular signaling networks on which they act. We also review some of the newly emerging therapeutic avenues such as ‘epidrugs’ and finally emphasize on the importance of targeted drug delivery systems for alleviating microglia-mediated neurotoxicity.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Rangarajan Parakalan, Eng-Ang Ling and Thameem Dheen S., Potential Drugs Targeting Microglia: Current Knowledge and Future Prospects, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2013; 12 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/18715273113126660175
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/18715273113126660175 |
Print ISSN 1871-5273 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1996-3181 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Heart and Brain Axis Targets in CNS Neurological Disorders
Recently there has been a surge of interest in delving deeper into the complex interplay between the heart and brain. This fascination stems from a growing recognition of the profound influence each organ holds over the other, particularly in the realm of central nervous system (CNS) neurological disorders. The purpose ...read more
Lifestyle Interventions to Prevent and Treat Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
More than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide. By 2050, the population affected by dementia will exceed 139 million individuals. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a pre-dementia stage, also known as prodromal dementia, affecting older adults. MCI emerges years before the manifestation of dementia but can be avoidable and ...read more
Novel Treatments in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
The current landscape of therapeutic strategies for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a significant adverse neurological event commonly resulting from the rupture of intracranial aneurysms, is rapidly evolving. Through an in-depth exploration of the natural history of SAH, historical treatment approaches, and emerging management modalities, the present work aims to provide a ...read more
Pathogenic Proteins in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Mechanisms to Treatment Modalities
The primary objective of this thematic issue is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which pathogenic proteins contribute to neurodegenerative diseases and to highlight current and emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating their effects. By bringing together cutting-edge research and reviews, this issue aims to: 1.Enhance Understanding: Provide a comprehensive ...read more
![](/images/wayfinder.jpg)
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Self-care improvement after a pharmaceutical intervention in elderly type 2 diabetic patients
Current Diabetes Reviews Recent Developments in Pharmacologic Prophylaxis of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Surgical Revascularization
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Blockers of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels for the Treatment of Central Nervous System Diseases
Recent Patents on CNS Drug Discovery (Discontinued) Metabolic Profiling in Disease Diagnosis, Toxicology and Personalized Healthcare
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Regenerative Potential of Stem Cells Derived from Human Exfoliated Deciduous (SHED) Teeth during Engineering of Human Body Tissues
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Update on Medical and Surgical Management of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials Clearance of Amyloid-β Peptide Across the Blood-Brain Barrier: Implication for Therapies in Alzheimers Disease
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Association with Inherited Metabolic Disorders and Some Trace Elements. A Retrospective Study
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Bayes Syndrome and Imaging Techniques
Current Cardiology Reviews Cognitive Impairment and Diabetes
Recent Patents on Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Drug Discovery (Discontinued) Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF): Neurotrophic Functions and Therapeutic Implications for Neuronal Injury/Diseases
Current Signal Transduction Therapy Free Fatty Acids: Circulating Contributors of Metabolic Syndrome
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Cognitive Dysfunction in the Elderly
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Sodium-glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Ischemic Stroke
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets The Role of microRNA in Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke
Current Drug Delivery On Chemical Structures with Potent Antiepileptic/Anticonvulsant Profile
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Commentary [Research Highlights : Neurotrophic Factor Treatment of Neurological Disorders: The Benefits of a Pleiotropic Treatment Approach]
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Diagnosis and Treatment of Unilateral Forms of Primary Aldosteronism
Current Hypertension Reviews Cardiovascular and Systemic Risk in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - Atherosclerosis as a Major Player in the Natural Course of NAFLD
Current Pharmaceutical Design Targeting Kinin Receptors for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design