Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway activation mediating inflammatory damage in central nervous system

Cerebral ischemia, brain tumor, and spinal cord injury (SCI) are the central nerve disease which usually cause irreversible, severe neurologic deficits or death. Inflammation plays a key role in the associated secondary damage after central nervous system (CNS) injury. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) excessive activation has been closely implicated in the initiation and progression of inflammation. Previous studies have shown that through depressing CNS inflammation, EGFR inhibitors may play a role in the therapeutic treatment of CNS disorders. We mainly reviewed the mechanisms of EGFR signaling pathway activation mediating inflammatory damage in CNS. Key words: Epidermal growth factor receptor; Central nervous system; Inflammatory injury