Alarmins: awaiting a clinical response

J Clin Invest. 2012 Aug;122(8):2711-9. doi: 10.1172/JCI62423. Epub 2012 Aug 1.

Abstract

Alarmins are endogenous molecules that are constitutively available and released upon tissue damage and activate the immune system. Current evidence indicates that uncontrolled and excessive release of alarmins contributes to the dysregulated processes seen in many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, as well as tumorigenesis and cancer spread. Conversely, alarmins have also been found to play a major role in the orchestration of tissue homeostasis, including repair and remodeling in the heart, skin, and nervous system. Here, we provide an update and overview on alarmins, highlighting the areas that may benefit from this clinical translation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / physiopathology
  • Biomarkers
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / physiopathology
  • Inflammation Mediators / immunology
  • Inflammation Mediators / physiology*
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Sepsis / immunology
  • Sepsis / physiopathology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / immunology
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / physiopathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Inflammation Mediators