Therapeutic targeting of EPH receptors and their ligands

Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2014 Jan;13(1):39-62. doi: 10.1038/nrd4175.

Abstract

Critical roles for EPH receptor (EPH)-ephrin signalling in a range of chronic and regenerative diseases are increasingly being recognized. In particular, the complex roles of EPHs and ephrins in tumour growth and progression, and in nerve injury and regeneration have been studied extensively. This has led to considerable progress in developing strategies for their therapeutic targeting, with some anticancer agents already in clinical trials. Promising leads for non-malignant diseases are also emerging, with compelling preclinical data encouraging clinical development. We discuss this rapidly developing area of drug discovery, highlighting the associated challenges and limitations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ephrins / physiology*
  • Ephrins / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / physiopathology
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Receptors, Eph Family / physiology*
  • Regeneration / drug effects
  • Regeneration / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Ephrins
  • Receptors, Eph Family