Research Advance in NGF in Neuropathic Pain and Related Drugs

As an important pronociceptive mediator, nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a key role in the generation and maintenance of neuropathic pain by promoting peripheral inflammation, nociceptor sensitization, ectopic discharge, sympathetic sprouting and central sensitization. NGF and its receptors have become important targets for developing drugs against various neuropathic pain conditions. Several NGF antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors of NGF or the related receptors have been developed for the treatment of neuropathic pain. This review summarized the mechanisms of NGF's involvement in neuropathic pain and the progress in the development of anti-NGF agents, so as to provide reference for neuropathic pain management by targeting NGF.