Significance of NF-κB as a pivotal therapeutic target in the neurodegenerative pathologies of Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: Advances in molecular pathogenesis suggest that the chronic inflammation is a shared mechanism in the initiation and progression of multiple neurodegenerative diseases with diverse clinical manifestations such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Multiple sclerosis (MS). Restricted cell renewal and regenerative capacity make the neural tissues extremely vulnerable to the uncontrolled inflammatory process leading to irreversible tissue damage.

Areas covered: A predominant consequence of increased inflammatory signaling is the upregulation of the transcription factor, NF-κB with subsequent neuroprotective or deleterious effects depending on the strength of the signal and the type of NF-κB dimers activated. We discuss the interplay between neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration keeping in focus NF-κB signaling as the point of convergence of multiple pathways associated with the development of the neurodegenerative pathologies, AD and MS.

Expert opinion: Considerable interest exists in developing efficient NF-κB inhibitors for neurodegenerative diseases. The review includes an overview of natural compounds and rationally designed agents that inhibit NF-κB and mediate neuroprotection in AD and MS. The key chemical moieties of the natural and the synthetic compounds provide efficient leads for the development of effective small molecule inhibitors that selectively target NF-κB activation; this would result in the desired benefit to risk therapeutic effects.

Keywords:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• amyloid
• disease modifying agents
• drug target
• multiple sclerosis
• natural compounds
• neurodegeneration
• neuroinflammation
• NF-κB
• polyphenols
• promoter
• terpenoids
• therapeutic target/mechanism

Declaration of interest

We sincerely appreciate the grant support from the Alzheimer’s Association (IIRG-11-206418) and the National Institute on Aging, NIH (5R21AG042804 and 1R21AG047), and thank Karen Pollok, Kavita Shah and Nipun Chopra.

Notes

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.