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Review
. 2024 Jan 31;14(2):169.
doi: 10.3390/biom14020169.

Therapeutic Effects of Stimulating the Melanocortin Pathway in Regulating Ocular Inflammation and Cell Death

Shudan Wang  1   2 , Francesca Kahale  1 , Amirreza Naderi  1 , Pier Luigi Surico  1 , Jia Yin  1 , Thomas Dohlman  1 , Yihe Chen  1 , Reza Dana  1
Affiliations
Review

Therapeutic Effects of Stimulating the Melanocortin Pathway in Regulating Ocular Inflammation and Cell Death

Shudan Wang et al. Biomolecules. .

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.

Keywords: cyto-protection; immunoregulation; melanocortin receptors; ocular immunity; ocular pathologies; α-MSH.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Reza Dana is a consultant of and equity holder in SightStream Biotherapeutics.

Figures

Figure 2
Figure 2
Potential therapeutic applications of α-MSH in eye conditions.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Biological functions of melanocortin stimulation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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