There is no author summary for this article yet. Authors can add summaries to their articles on ScienceOpen to make them more accessible to a non-specialist audience.
Abstract
Proteases have been shown to signal to cells through the activation of a novel class
of receptors coupled to G proteins: the protease-activated receptors (PARs). Those
receptors are expressed in a wide range of cells, which ultimately are all involved
in mechanisms of inflammation and pain. Numerous studies have considered the role
of PARs in cells, organ systems or in vivo, highlighting the fact that PAR activation
results in signs of inflammation. A growing body of evidences discussed here suggests
that these receptors, and the proteases that activate them, interfere with inflammation
and pain processes. Whether a role for PARs has been clearly defined in inflammatory
and pain pathologies is discussed in this review. Further, the pros and cons for considering
PARs as targets for the development of therapeutic options for the treatment of inflammation
and pain are discussed.