← Explorer/Network

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

Shudan Wang, Francesca Kahale, Amirreza Naderi +5 more2024BiomoleculesJournal Article
10.3390/biom14020169PubMedFree full text
Endocrine (ADH/ACTH/MSH)Hypothalamic-PituitaryImmune/InnateOcular

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.

Key Biomarkers

Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)

Cited By (3)

  • Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Maintains Retinal Homeostasis after Ischemia/ReperfusionBiomolecules · 2024
  • Treatment of nitrogen mustard-induced corneal injury with alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormoneExperimental Eye Research · 2025
  • The Therapeutic Effects of Purified Cortrophin Gel on Experimental Autoimmune UveitisOcular Immunology and Inflammation · 2025

References (18)

  • In vitro induction of CD25+ CD4+ regulatory T cells by the neuropeptide alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH)Immunology and Cell Biology · 2001
  • Identification of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone as a potential immunosuppressive factor in aqueous humorCurrent Eye Research · 1992
  • α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Prevents Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Vasculitis by Down-Regulating Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule ExpressionEndocrinology · 2003

Related Papers

  • A Narrative Review of the Immunomodulatory Effects of Acthar® Gel Beyond Its Steroidogenic PropertiesAdvances in Therapy · 2025 · 4 shared tags
  • Extracellular Soluble Membranes from Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Mediate Apoptosis in MacrophagesCells · 2021 · 4 shared tags
  • PACAP Induces Light Aversion in Mice by an Inheritable Mechanism Independent of CGRPJournal of Neuroscience · 2021 · 4 shared tags
  • Recognition of Melanocytes in Immuno-Neuroendocrinology and Circadian Rhythms: Beyond the Conventional Melanin SynthesisCells · 2022 · 4 shared tags
  • Biomarkers Over Time: From Visual Contrast Sensitivity to Transcriptomics in Differentiating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue SyndromePreprints.org · 2025 · 4 shared tags
  • Anti-inflammatory α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Protects Retina After Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Type I DiabetesFrontiers in Neuroscience · 2022 ·
Anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone against rat endotoxin-induced uveitis and the time course of inflammatory agents in aqueous humor
International Immunopharmacology · 2004
  • Neuropeptide Regulation of Immunity: The Immunosuppressive Activity of Alpha‐Melanocyte‐Stimulating Hormone (α‐MSH)Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 2000
  • Melanocortin peptides inhibit production of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide by activated microgliaJournal of Leukocyte Biology · 1998
  • Detection of Functionally Active Melanocortin Receptors and Evidence for an Immunoregulatory Activity of α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone in Human Dermal Papilla CellsEndocrinology · 2005
  • Immunomodulatory Role of Neuropeptides in the CorneaBiomedicines · 2022
  • Activation of Melanocortin 4 Receptors Reduces the Inflammatory Response and Prevents Apoptosis Induced by Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-γ in AstrocytesEndocrinology · 2007
  • Extracellular Soluble Membranes from Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Mediate Apoptosis in MacrophagesCells · 2021
  • α -MSH Modulates Experimental Inflammatory Bowel DiseasePeptides · 1997
  • Modulation of ICAM-1 expression by α-MSH in human melanoma cells and melanocytesJournal of Cellular Physiology · 1998
  • α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone down‐regulates CXC receptors through activation of neutrophil elastaseEuropean Journal of Immunology · 2006
  • α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Suppresses Antigen-Induced Lymphocyte Proliferation in Humans Independently of Melanocortin 1 Receptor Gene StatusThe Journal of Immunology · 2005
  • The Neuropeptide Alpha-Melanocyte–Stimulating Hormone Is Critical for Corneal Endothelial Cell Protection and Graft Survival after TransplantationAmerican Journal Of Pathology · 2021
  • α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Inhibits NF-κB Activation and IκBα Degradation in Human Glioma Cells and in Experimental Brain InflammationExperimental Neurology · 1999
  • Alpha- Melanocyte-stimulating hormone induces hapten-specific tolerance in miceThe Journal of Immunology · 1996
  • Induction of regulatory T cells by the immunodulating cytokines alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and transforming growth factor-beta 2Journal of Leukocyte Biology · 2002
    • 4 shared tags