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Targeting cells in motion: migrating toward improved therapies.
Jason W Griffith1, Andrew D Luster
1Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
European Journal of Immunology
|April 13, 2013
Summary
Targeting leukocyte migration offers new hope for inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis. Understanding molecular targets and approved therapies can lead to safer, more effective treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Leukocyte migration is crucial for immune responses and implicated in inflammatory diseases.
- Therapeutics targeting leukocyte migration have transformed multiple sclerosis treatment.
- Understanding the molecular basis of leukocyte trafficking is key to developing new therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge of molecular targets involved in leukocyte migration.
- To emphasize how these targets vary by tissue and leukocyte subset, particularly T cells.
- To discuss approved therapeutics (natalizumab, fingolimod) and future directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on leukocyte adhesion molecules and trafficking.
- Analysis of tissue-specific and subset-specific molecular targets.
- Description of the mechanisms of action for natalizumab and fingolimod.
Main Results:
- Elucidation of numerous molecular targets in the leukocyte adhesion cascade.
- Identification of tissue and leukocyte subset-specific variations in these targets.
- Successful clinical application of natalizumab and fingolimod in treating inflammatory conditions.
Conclusions:
- Targeting leukocyte migration is a validated therapeutic strategy for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
- Further understanding of molecular targets and approved therapies can drive the development of next-generation treatments.
- Future research should focus on enhancing safety and efficacy for broader clinical application.
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