New insights on the involvement of Nerve Growth Factor in allergic inflammation and fibrosis

Alessandra Micera, Ilaria Puxeddu, Luigi Aloe, Francesca Levi-Schaffer*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

66 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), that was originally discovered for its properties of stimulating growth and differentiation of neurons, is now also considered responsible for several activities in the immune system and beyond. Mast cells and eosinophils, key cells of allergic inflammation, are a source of NGF and are influenced by it. These observations have prompted studies on NGF in allergy and tissue repair. Recent evidences link NGF and these two processes. While NGF is clearly a new tool in the management of untreatable ulcers, its role in allergic inflammation, although appearing to be pro-inflammatory, is still not clearly defined.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)369-374
Number of pages6
JournalCytokine and Growth Factor Reviews
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2003

Keywords

  • Allergy
  • Eosinophils
  • Fibrosis
  • Inflammation
  • Mast cells
  • Myofibroblasts
  • NGF

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