Prospects for minocycline neuroprotection

Abstract

Minocycline is a clinically available antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug that also demonstrates neuroprotective properties in a variety of experimental models of neurological diseases. There have thus far been more than 300 publications on minocycline neuroprotection, including a growing number of human studies. Our objective is to critically review the biological basis and translational potential of this action of minocycline on the nervous system.

Figure

Signaling mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective actions of minocycline. See the text for detailed descriptions. AIFindicatesapoptosis-inducing factor; BCL-2, B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2; CCR5, chemokine receptor type 5; CXCR3, chemokine (CXC motif ) receptor 3; GluR, glutamate receptor; IL, interleukin; IP-10, interferon-inducible protein 10; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; MIP-1α, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α; MMP, matrix metalloprotease; PBR, peripheral benzodiazepine receptor; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; TUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP (2′-deoxyuridine, 5′-triphosphate)–biotin nick-end labeling.