The Role of Alpha-MSH As a Modulator of Ocular Immunobiology Exemplifies Mechanistic Differences Between Melanocortins and Steroids

Overview

Journal Ocul Immunol Inflamm

Publisher Informa Healthcare

Specialty Ophthalmology

Date 2016 Jan 26

PMID 26807874

Citations 24

Authors

Christine M Clemson

John Yost

Andrew W Taylor

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Melanocortins are a highly conserved family of peptides and receptors that includes multiple proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides and five defined melanocortin receptors. The melanocortins have an important role in maintaining immune homeostasis and in suppressing inflammation. Within the healthy eye, the melanocortins have a central role in preventing inflammation and maintaining immune privilege. A central mediator of the anti-inflammatory activity is the non-steroidogenic melanocortin peptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone. In this review we summarize the major findings of melanocortin regulation of ocular immunobiology with particular interest in the ability of melanocortin to induce immune tolerance and cytoprotection. The melanocortins have therapeutic potential because their mechanisms of action in regulating immunity are distinctly different from the actions of steroids.

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