Chronic inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, maladaptive response of the immune system in which persistent tissue injury and immune cell infiltration lead to ongoing production of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and enzymes, causing tissue destruction, fibrosis, and loss of function in affected organs. Unlike acute inflammation, which resolves rapidly and restores tissue health, chronic inflammation can last for months to years, is associated with a breakdown in the normal regulatory mechanisms of the immune system, and contributes to the development and progression of many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, fibrosis, and cancer[1][3][5][6][7]. Chronic inflammation should not be used as the name of a molecular target, but rather as an overarching disease process involving a variety of cellular and molecular targets amenable to therapeutic intervention. The actual drug targets are cytokines, signaling molecules, immune cells, and their receptors.

Other names

persistent inflammationinflammatory disordersystemic low-grade inflammation

Mechanisms of action are indirect, targeting mediators and immune cells: Inhibition of cytokine signaling (TNF, IL-1, IL-6 antagonists); Suppression of immune cell activation and migration; Modulation of signaling pathways (NF-κB, JAK-STAT inhibition); Reduction of leukocyte infiltration (immunosuppressants); Fibrosis reduction