Therapeutic Effects of Stimulating the Melanocortin Pathway in Regulating Ocular Inflammation and Cell Death
Shudan Wang, Francesca Kahale, Amirreza Naderi, Pier Luigi Surico, Jia Yin, Thomas H. Dohlman, Yihe Chen, Reza Dana
Abstract
Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and its binding receptors (the melanocortin receptors) play important roles in maintaining ocular tissue integrity and immune homeostasis. Particularly extensive studies have demonstrated the biological functions of α-MSH in both immunoregulation and cyto-protection. This review summarizes the current knowledge of both the physiological and pathological roles of α-MSH and its receptors in the eye. We focus on recent developments in the biology of α-MSH and the relevant clinical implications in treating ocular diseases.
Topics & Concepts
MelanocortinMelanocyte-stimulating hormoneReceptorInflammationImmune systemMelanocortinsMelanocortin receptorBiologyHormonePathologicalMelanocortin 3 receptorImmunologyNeuroscienceMedicineCell biologyEndocrinologyInternal medicineBiochemistrymelanin and skin pigmentationOcular Surface and Contact LensBiochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques