Anti‐Inflammatory/Analgesics: An In‐Depth Look atp38MAPKinases

Abstract

Inflammation is a complex process controlled by numerous positive and negative regulators. The p38 MAP kinase pathway is integral to the production of mediators that drive inflammation and pain and the cellular responses to these mediators. If not properly controlled, it can cause dire effects in the inflammatory, immune, and nervous systems that manifest in the development of chronic pain and inflammatory disease. As this chapter will discuss, newer versions of these molecular inhibitors must be designed in a manner that is more mindful of the complexity of p38 and the inflammatory response to reach their potential as an effective anti‐inflammatory and analgesic therapy.