Orexins as Novel Therapeutic Targets in Inflammatory and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Alain Couvineau1, Thierry Voisin1, Pascal Nicole1

  • 1INSERM UMR1149/Inflammation Research Center (CRI), Team "From Inflammation to Cancer in Digestive Diseases" Labeled by "la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer", University of Paris, Paris, France.

Insights

Orexins, neuropeptides from the hypothalamus, regulate sleep, appetite, and brain functions. Emerging research highlights their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory roles, suggesting therapeutic potential for immune-related diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Orexins (orexin-A and orexin-B) are hypothalamic neuropeptides.
  • They modulate critical CNS functions including sleep-wake cycles, appetite, and energy homeostasis.
  • Orexin signaling involves OX1R and OX2R G protein-coupled receptors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent data on the neuroprotective and immuno-regulatory properties of orexins.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of orexins in diseases with an immune component.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific data.
  • Analysis of studies investigating orexin functions and therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

  • Orexins exhibit neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • These properties are linked to the interplay between the nervous and immune systems.
  • Recent data support a therapeutic role for orexins in various conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Orexins possess significant therapeutic potential.
  • This potential extends to pathologies involving immune system dysregulation, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and cancers.

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