Inflammatory reactions

Inflammatory reactions" is not a specific molecule, receptor, or drug target. Instead, it refers to the complex biological process known as the inflammatory response. This process is triggered by tissue injury or infection and involves immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators such as cytokines, histamine, bradykinin, and prostaglandins[1][3][6]. The main functions are to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury (such as pathogens), clear out damaged tissues or cells through phagocytosis by immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages, isolate harmful agents via increased vascular permeability leading to swelling (edema), and initiate tissue repair[1][3][5]. While inflammation is essential for defense against infection and for healing injuries, excessive or chronic inflammation can contribute to various diseases including autoimmune disorders and allergies[3][5][6]. Drugs that interact with this process—such as NSAIDs—work by inhibiting key enzymes involved in producing pro-inflammatory chemicals[4]. "The inflammatory response is a crucial biological process that occurs in reaction to tissue damage and infection... While inflammation is protective, it can also cause accidental damage..." [1] "Inflammation...is part of the biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli...The function of inflammation is to eliminate the initial cause..., clear out damaged cells..., initiate tissue repair." [3] Note: “Inflammatory reactions” should not be treated as a canonical therapeutic target like an enzyme or receptor. It describes a physiological process involving many molecules rather than one discrete druggable entity.

Other names

Inflammatory responseInflammation

Inhibition of production or action of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and histamine