Most people associate inflammation with pain and discomfort. However, it is one of the most vital responses of our immune system to indicate and deal with infections and injuries. Inflammation equips our immune system with the ability to fight bacteria and viruses, heal injuries such as fractures and sprains, and ward off stress. Inflammation, though a vital immune response, can be a problem and cause other diseases when it becomes chronic. If you wonder what causes inflammation in our body, one of the primary components resulting in this process is the bradykinin B2 receptor. Answering questions as to how one can address inflammatory diseases becomes easier when you know how this receptor plays a role in inflammation. With that said, here’s all that you need to know about the involvement of bradykinin B2 receptor in inflammation.
What is Bradykinin?
Understanding what the bradykinin B2 receptor is becomes easier when you know what bradykinin is. It is a molecule made from amino acids (the building block of protein). It is a peptide that plays an active role in several bodily processes, such as causing the permeability of the blood vessel walls to increase, dilating blood vessels, and bringing down blood pressure. While these are all physiological processes associated with blood vessels, they are also linked to inflammation.
Our body releases bradykinin whenever there is a tissue-level injury or damage. Upon release, this peptide attaches itself to several receptors, one of which is the bradykinin B2 receptor. This action triggers a series of events that ultimately result in inflammation.
The Role of Bradykinin B2 Receptor in Inflammation
Bradykinin B2 receptors are located on the surface of numerous cell types, such as nerve cells, blood vessels, and smooth muscle cells. As bradykinin releases and attaches itself to these receptors, the shape of the bradykinin B2 receptor gets slightly modified, which activates the receptor. Once activated, these receptors can interact with other proteins.
A cascade of biochemical chain of events is initiated as the bradykinin B2 receptor interacts with different proteins, such as the release of molecules including nitric oxide and prostaglandin.
When the pathway associated with the production of nitric acid is activated, it causes the blood vessels to dilate, which in turn increases the flow of blood and brings down the pressure of the flow. With increased blood flow, more immune cells can travel to the site of injury or infection to initiate the healing process.
Additionally, another pathway that is activated is the production of prostaglandin, which increases the permeability of the blood vessels. Therefore, antibodies and immune cells can move to the target area of injury from the bloodstream with ease, helping with the healing process.
Can This Inflammation Response Be a Problem?
As discussed, inflammation is a vital physiological response. However, both excessive and chronic inflammation can cause an array of other issues. Some conditions are characterized by persistent inflammation, which may also cause pain. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes the joints to be swollen, which in turn causes chronic pain. The pain and inflammation may also cause tissue damage if not treated.
Bradykinin B2 Receptor and its Therapeutic Prospects
The initiation of the chain of events causing inflammation depends on the bradykinin molecule attaching to the bradykinin B2 receptor. Therefore, if these receptors are blocked, it may help in bringing down inflammation and pain. Taking this into consideration, researchers have been studying substances that block this receptor, blocking the initiation of inflammation-causing events. These substances are called bradykinin antagonists. One of the conditions of focus for Pharvaris, a clinical-stage company, is hereditary angioedema, which occurs when a protein called C1 inhibitor is either produced in insufficient quantities or does not function properly.
Inflammation, while helpful in the healing process when our body has injuries or infections, can be a double-edged sword when it persists. Several health conditions that cause inflammation cause significant stress and pain. Therefore, understanding how the bradykinin B2 receptor works, its actions that trigger inflammatory responses, and studying substances that can block the receptor without causing any major side effects can be crucial in finding a therapeutic solution to certain health conditions. And with the recent scientific progress that has been made, there is a significant possibility to find an effective way to block the bradykinin B2 receptor. The prevalence of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions and those characterizing chronic pain is high. Therefore, being aware of the ongoing research and progress in the area can empower patients and healthcare providers to make the right choice for their health and engage in discussions. As we adopt this proactive approach to understanding the conditions we or our loved ones have, it can help with better disease management.
