Nerve growth factor and neuroimmune responses: basic and clinical observations.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a polypeptide that in addition to its effect on survival of peripheral and brain neuron acts also on a variety of cells localized in the immune system. We have recently shown that the constitutive levels of NGF undergo trough significant changes during inflammatory conditions and in neuroimmune pathologies. We have also reported that autoimmune inflammatory disorders are characterized by a disregulation of synthesis and utilization of NGF. Though the mechanisms implicated in these events are not yet known, there emerging evidence indicating this polypeptide can play an important role in healing processes within the nervous and cutaneous tissues and in inflammatory conditions.