Translating MAPK Inhibitors To Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

Protein phosphorylation plays a central role in cellular processes. Recently, a considerable interest in the development of inhibitors of protein kinase has been taken. Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), a group of Ser/Thr protein kinases, are activated by a wide spectrum of extracellular stimuli. Extensive literature reports have indicated the key role of these kinases in inflammatory processes and in immune response. This review outlines relevant aspects on the development of MAPK inhibitors that could form the molecular basis for a new class of anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory agents. Particular focus is given to their role in regulating the dysfunction of innate immunity. Also, concepts as docking interactions, participation of scaffold proteins in MAPK cascades and its importance in the design of more specific inhibitors are discussed.