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The role of kappa opioid receptors in immune system - An overview

Adrian Szczepaniak1, Weronika Machelak2, Jakub Fichna2

  • 1NeuroOncology Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.

European Journal of Pharmacology
|August 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Kappa-opioid (KOP) receptors are involved in inflammation and immune cell function. This review explores their role in inflammatory conditions and pain, highlighting KOP receptors as key inflammation elements.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Opioids are crucial for managing cancer and surgical pain.
  • The endogenous opioid system modulates pain perception and inflammation.
  • Kappa-opioid (KOP) receptors are found in the nervous and immune systems, including T cells, B cells, and monocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the involvement of KOP receptors in inflammatory processes.
  • To describe KOP receptor function in immune-mediated conditions and inflammatory pain.
  • To elucidate the role of KOP receptors in pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on KOP receptors and inflammation.
  • Analysis of KOP receptor expression and function in immune cells.
  • Examination of KOP receptor involvement in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Main Results:

  • KOP receptors are expressed on various immune cells, indicating a role beyond pain.
  • Evidence suggests KOP receptors modulate inflammatory responses in diverse conditions.
  • Known KOP receptor ligands have applications in understanding inflammatory pathophysiology.

Conclusions:

  • KOP receptors are significant modulators of the inflammatory process.
  • Understanding KOP receptor function offers potential therapeutic avenues for inflammatory diseases.
  • Further research into KOP receptors is warranted to explore their full therapeutic potential in inflammation.
Keywords:
Endogenous opioid systemImmune cellsInflammationInflammatory painKappa opioid receptorsOpioids

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