The Emerging Role of HMGB1 in Neuropathic Pain: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Neuroinflammation

J Immunol Res. 2016:2016:6430423. doi: 10.1155/2016/6430423. Epub 2016 May 18.

Abstract

Neuropathic pain (NPP) is intolerable, persistent, and specific type of long-term pain. It is considered to be a direct consequence of pathological changes affecting the somatosensory system and can be debilitating for affected patients. Despite recent progress and growing interest in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease, NPP still presents a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) mediates inflammatory and immune reactions in nervous system and emerging evidence reveals that HMGB1 plays an essential role in neuroinflammation through receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLR), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), C-X-X motif chemokines receptor 4 (CXCR4), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. In this review, we present evidence from studies that address the role of HMGB1 in NPP. First, we review studies aimed at determining the role of HMGB1 in NPP and discuss the possible mechanisms underlying HMGB1-mediated NPP progression where receptors for HMGB1 are involved. Then we review studies that address HMGB1 as a potential therapeutic target for NPP.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • HMGB1 Protein / genetics*
  • HMGB1 Protein / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neuralgia / drug therapy
  • Neuralgia / etiology*
  • Neuralgia / metabolism*
  • Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism

Substances

  • HMGB1 Protein
  • Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
  • Toll-Like Receptors