Mitogen activated protein kinases as targets for development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs

Given the prevalence and debilitating nature of chronic inflammatory diseases there is a never ending quest for identification of novel targets for the rational development of anti-inflammatory drugs. Although the major signalling pathway that controls inflammation associated gene expression is the one leading to activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB, considerable attention has also been given to mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) as likely targets for development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Indeed, inhibitors targeting these pathways have been developed and preliminary preclinical data suggest that they exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. This report focuses on the possible mechanisms through which such inhibitors may interfere with inflammation and discusses the pros and cons of targeting MAPKs in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease.