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Review
. 2016 Feb:26:118-23.
doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2015.11.002. Epub 2015 Nov 26.

Modulation of neuronal excitability by immune mediators in epilepsy

Valentina Iori  1 , Federica Frigerio  1 , Annamaria Vezzani  2
Affiliations
Review

Modulation of neuronal excitability by immune mediators in epilepsy

Valentina Iori et al. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2016 Feb.

Abstract

A complex set of inflammatory molecules and their receptors has been described in epileptogenic foci in different forms of pharmacoresistant epilepsies. By activating receptor-mediated pathways in neurons, these molecules have profound neuromodulatory effects that are distinct from their canonical activation of immune functions. Importantly, the neuromodulatory actions of some inflammatory molecules contribute to hyperexcitability in neural networks that underlie seizures. This review summarizes recent findings related to the role of cytokines (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha) and danger signals (HMGB1) in decreasing seizure threshold, thereby contributing to seizure generation and the associated neuropathology. We will discuss preclinical studies suggesting that pharmacological inhibition of specific inflammatory signals may be useful to treat drug-resistant seizures in human epilepsy, and possibly arrest epileptogenesis in individuals at risk of developing the disease.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of the molecular events linking activation of innate immunity/inflammation to epilepsy. See conclusion paragraph for details.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Publication types