P38 MAPK inhibitors in dermatology

Abstract

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is involved in regulating cell growth, cell differentiation, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and response to inflammation and stress. Four mammalian p38 MAPK isoforms, p38 MAPKα, p38 MAPKβ, p38 MAPKγ (ERK6/SAPK3) and p38 MAPKδ (SAPK4), have been identified. Specific inhibitors of p38 MAPK, pyridinyl imidazole compounds, such as SB203580 and SB202190, are known. In this special report, the role of p38 MAPK and its specific inhibitors in the skin are discussed.