Nerve growth factor beta (NGFB) (NGFB)

Nerve growth factor beta (NGFB) is a neurotrophic factor and the prototypical member of the neurotrophin family, playing a critical role in the survival and maintenance of sympathetic and sensory neurons [1]. It functions by binding to two receptors: the high-affinity Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) and the low-affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), triggering downstream signaling cascades like MAPK and PI3K/Akt [2]. In addition to its developmental roles, NGFB is a potent mediator of pain; it is released during inflammation and injury, sensitizing nociceptors and contributing to chronic pain states [3]. This makes the NGFB signaling pathway a significant therapeutic target for conditions such as osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain [4]. Therapeutic strategies primarily involve monoclonal antibodies, such as tanezumab and fasinumab, which sequester NGFB to prevent receptor activation [5]. Despite their efficacy in pain reduction, these drugs have been associated with serious adverse events, including rapidly progressive osteoarthritis, which has complicated their clinical advancement [6].

Other names

NGFBeta-nerve growth factorNerve growth factor (beta polypeptide)HSAN5Beta-NGF

Neutralization of the NGF ligand to prevent activation of Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) signaling pathways.