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Research progress of opioid growth factor in immune-related diseases and cancer diseases

Hai Huang1, Bing Liu1, Na Qu2

  • 1Department of Bone Oncology, The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110016, China.

International Immunopharmacology
|August 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Methionine enkephalin (MENK), also known as opioid growth factor (OGF), regulates cell growth and immune function. Research shows OGF and its receptor (OGFr) hold promise for treating autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Methionine enkephalin (MENK) functions as an opioid growth factor (OGF) with critical roles in neuroendocrine and immune systems.
  • OGF, through interaction with its receptor (OGFr), inhibits DNA synthesis and cell proliferation by upregulating cell cycle inhibitors p16 and/or p21.
  • OGF/OGFr signaling modulates immune cell function and has been investigated for autoimmune diseases and viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize research progress on the therapeutic potential of OGF in immune-related diseases and cancer.
  • To highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying OGF's effects in these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on OGF/OGFr in autoimmune diseases and cancer.
  • Analysis of experimental data from in vitro and animal models.
  • Examination of molecular pathways involved in OGF's action.

Main Results:

  • OGF/OGFr signaling demonstrates immunomodulatory effects, showing symptom relief in autoimmune disease models.
  • OGF exhibits anti-tumor properties through various molecular mechanisms.
  • Preclinical studies suggest OGF's potential as a monotherapy or adjunct treatment for tumors.

Conclusions:

  • OGF and OGFr are significant therapeutic targets for immune-related diseases.
  • OGF presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
  • Further research into OGF/OGFr pathways could lead to novel treatments for complex diseases.
Keywords:
Cancer therapyImmunoregulationMethionine enkephalinOpioid growth factor

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