Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets for Pain Regulation
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024 | Viewed by 54
Special Issue Editor
Interests: osteoarthritis; pain; depression
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Recent studies suggest that nociceptor neurons could wield considerable influence over immune responses and inflammation, implying that pain not only characterizes inflammation but also regulates the immune system significantly. Upon encountering harmful stimuli, nociceptors can release neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, which wield potent regulatory effects on vasculature, as well as innate and adaptive immunity. Crucially, various immune cells, including dendritic cells, neutrophils, macrophages, mast cells, and T cells, harbor receptors for these neuronal mediators, facilitating direct responses to nociceptors. The nexus between nociceptor neurons and the immune system is increasingly recognized as pivotal in both pain perception and inflammation. The disruption of these interactions might underpin the emergence of inflammatory conditions affecting diverse bodily systems like the skin, joints, the respiratory system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, these neuroimmune interactions have been documented not only in peripheral tissues of damage but also in the central nervous system. Comprehending the interplay between nociceptors, immune cells, and glial cells holds promise for uncovering novel mechanisms behind inflammatory disorders and developing innovative therapeutics for their treatment and prevention, alongside chronic pain management. Although numerous molecules may contribute to the initiation of acute and chronic inflammation and pain, their precise mechanisms remain elusive. Recently, insights into the molecular mechanisms instigating the resolution of inflammation and pain have paved the way for novel strategies targeting complex acute and chronic inflammatory diseases and pain management. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that resolution pathways are diverse and likely vary based on the specific tissue and stimulus involved.
In this Special Issue, we invite submissions of original research and reviews focusing on acute and chronic inflammation and pain. We particularly encourage contributions that highlight the molecular mechanisms underpinning the persistence of inflammation and pain, contrasting with their resolution pathways.
Dr. Gurjit Singh
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- acute and chronic pain
- osteoarthritis
- nerve growth factor
- molecular mechanism of chronic pain
