The N-formyl peptide receptors: contemporary roles in neuronal function and dysfunction

N-formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) are a family of receptors that play a role in the body's defense and inflammation. They were initially found on phagocytic leukocytes, but research has revealed roles beyond the immune system. FPRs are expressed in neuronal tissues, especially in the central nervous system. Interactions between FPRs and endogenous ligands have been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as neurological cancers. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding the role of FPRs in a neuronal setting and proposes them as a potential therapeutic target for nervous system conditions, potentially opening doors to novel neuronal regeneration therapies.

• 1
  FPRs are implicated in neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation, suggesting they could be a target for neuronal regeneration therapies.
• 2
  FPRs can be exploited by primary tumors to escalate growth, as seen in neuroblastoma, where increased FPR1 tumor expression is correlated with low survival rates.
• 3
  FPR2 can transduce both pro- and anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting multiple binding sites exploited by different agonists.