Cytokines and Chemokines at the Crossroads of Neuroinflammation, Neurodegeneration, and Neuropathic Pain

Cytokines and chemokines are proteins that coordinate the immune response throughout the body. The dysregulation of cytokines and chemokines is a central feature in the development of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and demyelination both in the central and peripheral nervous systems and in conditions of neuropathic pain. Pathological states within the nervous system can lead to activation of microglia. The latter may mediate neuronal and glial cell injury and death through production of proinflammatory factors such as cytokines and chemokines. These then help to mobilize the adaptive immune response. Although inflammation may induce beneficial effects such as pathogen clearance and phagocytosis of…

• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: 51OD011104/P51RR000164, NS048952, MH077544
• NI
  National Institute of Mental Health

  Awards: NS048952, MH077544, 51OD011104/P51RR000164
• NI
  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

  Awards: NS048952, 51OD011104/P51RR000164, MH077544
• NC
  National Center for Research Resources

  Award: NS048952
• OO
  Office of Research Infrastructure Programs, National Institutes of Health

  Award: NS048952