The innate immunity of the central nervous system in chronic pain: The role of Toll-like receptors |
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Authors: | L -H Guo H J Schluesener |
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Institution: | (1) Institute of Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Calwer Str.3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany |
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Abstract: | Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern recognition receptors that mediate innate immune responses to stimuli from
pathogens or endogenous signals. Under various pathological conditions, the central nervous system (CNS) mounts a well-organized
innate immune response, in which glial cells, in particular microglia, are activated. Further, the innate immune system has
emerged as a promising target for therapeutic control of development and persistence of chronic pain. Especially, microglial
cells respond to peripheral and central infection, injury, and other stressor signals arriving at the CNS and initiate a CNS
immune activation that might contribute to chronic pain facilitation. In the orchestration of this limited immune reaction,
TLRs on microglia appear to be most relevant in triggering and tailoring microglial activation, which might be a driving force
of chronic pain. New therapeutic approaches targeting the CNS innate immune system may achieve the essential pharmacological
control of chronic pain.
Received 21 November 2006; received after revision 8 January 2007; accepted 7 February 2007 |
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Keywords: | Toll-like receptors chronic pain microglial cells innate immune system central nervous system |
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