SHP-1-MEDIATED REGULATORY NETWORK OF IMMUNE CELLS IN PAIN AFTER NERVE INJURY

Abstract

Background: Neuropathic pain originates from nerve injury and can be described as pain resulting from the nervous and immune systems. SHP-1 (Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1) is involved in regulating immune cell functions and pain modulation and has the potential as a target for pain relief. Objective: This review intends to provide insight into the regulatory role of SHP-1 in immune cells implicated in pain following nerve injury and identify potential therapeutic approaches related to SHP-1. Methods: The present review first reviewed the current literature concerning the molecular characteristics of SHP-1, the regulation of SHP-1 in immune cells, and the role of SHP-1 in pain regulation. SHP-1’s current and potential therapeutic modalities were discussed based on its inhibition by small molecules, gene therapy, and biologics. Results: SHP-1 regulates various signaling pathways related to inflammation and immune response in microglia, macrophages, and T cells. Recent therapeutic approaches to SHP-1 offer hope in the management of chronic inflammation and neuropathic pain. However, some questions remain unanswered, like specificity, delivery methods, and long-term consequences. Conclusion: Targeting SHP-1 can effectively solve neuropathic pain and other immune-related diseases. To address these challenges and achieve SHP-1's full therapeutic potential, research and development of novel, specific SHP-1 modulators, effective delivery systems, and personalized medicine strategies are imperative. Future Work: Future work should be directed toward developing selective SHP-1 modulators, optimizing targeted delivery methods, and conducting comprehensive clinical trials to study long-term outcomes and treatment potency of SHP-1 targeting.