Põletikuregulatsioon

Põletikuregulatsioon refers to the complex biological processes that control and modulate inflammation. Inflammation is a vital immune response that protects the body from pathogens and initiates tissue repair. However, uncontrolled or chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases. Therefore, a sophisticated regulatory system is in place to ensure that inflammation is effectively initiated, maintained for a necessary duration, and ultimately resolved.

This regulation involves a delicate balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. Pro-inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines and chemokines, are released to recruit immune cells to the site of injury or infection and to amplify the inflammatory response. Conversely, anti-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-beta, and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), work to dampen the inflammatory response, prevent excessive tissue damage, and promote healing.

Immune cells themselves play a crucial role in regulating inflammation. For instance, macrophages can adopt different phenotypes, transitioning from pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, facilitating tissue repair. Signaling pathways within cells, such as the NF-κB pathway, are tightly controlled to govern the expression of inflammatory genes. Dysregulation of these intricate mechanisms can result in conditions like autoimmune diseases, allergies, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding põletikuregulatsioon is therefore fundamental to developing therapeutic strategies for a wide range of inflammatory conditions.