Open AccessRole of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Asthma and COPD: Pathogenic Aspects and Potential Targeted Therapies
Author(s) -
Corrado Pelaia,
Alessandro Vatrella,
Luca Gallelli,
Nicola Lombardo,
Angela Sciacqua,
Rocco Savino,
Girolamo Pelaia
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
drug design, development and therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1177-8881
DOI - 10.2147/dddt.s300988
Subject(s) - copd , medicine , proinflammatory cytokine , asthma , p38 mitogen activated protein kinases , immunology , mapk/erk pathway , chemokine , inflammation , protein kinase a , kinase , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
Among the various members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, p38 MAPK subgroup is the most involved in airway and lung inflammation underlying asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In particular, several environmental agents including aeroallergens, cigarette smoke, airborne pollutants, viral and bacterial pathogens activate the p38α isoform which in turn up-regulates the expression of multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as the production of some fibrogenic factors. Therefore, p38 MAPK-induced bronchial inflammation and remodelling significantly contribute to the development, persistence and amplification of airflow limitation, which is the hallmark of asthma and COPD. Such advances in our understanding of p38 role in the pathobiology of the above widespread, chronic obstructive respiratory diseases, have led to consider p38 MAPK as a suitable molecular target for novel treatment strategies. Indeed, many studies have been carried out in both animal and clinical settings, with the aim of evaluating the potential therapeutic effects of p38 MAPK inhibitors in both asthma and COPD.