Title:The Potential Therapeutic Role of the HMGB1-TLR Pathway in Epilepsy
Volume: 22
Issue: 2
Author(s): Shu Wang, Yuguang Guan and Tianfu Li*
Affiliation:
- Department of Neurology, SanBo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093,China
Keywords:
Neuroinflammation, HMGB1, TLR, HMGB1-TLR pathway, epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs.
Abstract: Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological disorders, affecting over 70 million
people worldwide. For the treatment of epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and surgeries are
widely used. However, drug resistance and adverse effects indicate the need to develop targeted AEDs
based on further exploration of the epileptogenic mechanism. Currently, many efforts have been made
to elucidate the neuroinflammation theory in epileptogenesis, which may show potential in the treatment
of epilepsy. In this respect, an important target protein, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), has
received increased attention and has been developed rapidly. HMGB1 is expressed in various eukaryotic
cells and localized in the cell nucleus. When HMGB1 is released by injuries or diseases, it participates
in inflammation. Recent studies suggest that HMGB1 via Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways can
trigger inflammatory responses and play an important role in epilepsy. In addition, studies of HMGB1
have shown its potential in the treatment of epilepsy. Herein, the authors analyzed the experimental
and clinical evidence of the HMGB1-TLR pathway in epilepsy to summarize the theory of epileptogenesis
and provide insights into antiepileptic therapy in this novel field.
