α7- and α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Functioning of Immune System and in Pain

Irina Shelukhina, Andrei Siniavin, Igor Kasheverov, Lucy Ojomoko, Victor Tsetlin, Yuri Utkin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) present as many different subtypes in the nervous and immune systems, muscles and on the cells of other organs. In the immune system, inflammation is regulated via the vagus nerve through the activation of the non-neuronal α7 nAChR subtype, affecting the production of cytokines. The analgesic properties of α7 nAChR-selective compounds are mostly based on the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain relief mediated by the inhibition of α9-containing nAChRs is not fully understood yet, but the role of immune factors in this process is becoming evident. To obtain appropriate drugs, a search of selective agonists, antagonists and modulators of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs is underway. The naturally occurring three-finger snake α-neurotoxins and mammalian Ly6/uPAR proteins, as well as neurotoxic peptides α-conotoxins, are not only sophisticated tools in research on nAChRs but are also considered as potential medicines. In particular, the inhibition of the α9-containing nAChRs by α-conotoxins may be a pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain. nAChRs are involved in the inflammation processes during AIDS and other viral infections; thus they can also be means used in drug design. In this review, we discuss the role of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs in the immune processes and in pain.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number6524
JournalInternational journal of molecular sciences
Volume24
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • anti-inflammatory pathway
  • chronic pain
  • Ly6/uPAR proteins
  • Lynx1
  • nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
  • SLURP-1
  • viral infection
  • α-conotoxins

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Molecular Biology
  • Spectroscopy
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'α7- and α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Functioning of Immune System and in Pain'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this