Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
Published on: September 15, 2017
Signalling platforms that modulate the inflammatory response: new targets for drug development
Christopher A McCulloch1, Gregory P Downey, Hani El-Gabalawy
1CIHR Group in Matrix Dynamics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 3E2. christopher.mcculloch@utoronto.ca
Abstract:
Therapeutically controlling inflammation is essential for the clinical management of many high-prevalence human diseases. Drugs that block the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour-necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 (IL-1) can improve outcomes for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases but many patients remain refractory to treatment. Here we explore the need for developing new types of anti-inflammatory drugs and the emergence of novel drug targets based on the clustering of IL-1 receptors into multi-protein aggregates associated with cell adhesions. Interference with receptor aggregation into multi-protein complexes effectively abrogates IL-1 signalling. The exploration of the crucial molecules required for receptor clustering, and therefore signal transduction, offers new targets and scope for anti-inflammatory drug development.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Signal Transduction: Overview
Typically, signal transduction involves three...
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
