Abstract
Peripheral interactions between nociceptive fibers and mast cells contribute to inflammatory pain, but little is known about mechanisms mediating neuro-immune communication. Here we show that metalloproteinase MT5-MMP (MMP-24) is an essential mediator of peripheral thermal nociception and inflammatory hyperalgesia. We report that MT5-MMP is expressed by CGRP-containing peptidergic nociceptors in dorsal root ganglia and that Mmp24-deficient mice display enhanced sensitivity to noxious thermal stimuli under basal conditions. Consistently, mutant peptidergic sensory neurons hyperinnervate the skin, a phenotype that correlates with changes in the regulated cleavage of the cell-cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin. In contrast to basal nociception, Mmp24(-/-) mice do not develop thermal hyperalgesia during inflammation, a phenotype that appears associated with alterations in N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interactions between mast cells and sensory fibers. Collectively, our findings demonstrate an essential role of MT5-MMP in the development of dermal neuro-immune synapses and suggest that this metalloproteinase may be a target for pain control.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.