MD-2 Inhibitors

Inhibitors of MD-2 are characterized by their ability to modulate the immune response by targeting the MD-2/TLR4 signaling pathway. These chemicals function by different mechanisms, such as direct competition with LPS (Eritoran), binding to TLR4 (TAK-242), interfering with the dimerization and trafficking of TLR4/MD-2 complex (Curcumin), modulating the expression of TLR4 and MD-2 (Vitamin D3), or disrupting the TLR4/MD-2 interaction (Andrographolide).

Some inhibitors bind directly to MD-2, preventing its interaction with LPS, like Glycyrrhizin, or by providing alternative LPS forms that do not activate the complex, like Rhodobacter sphaeroides LPS. Others influence cellular processes such as endosomal maturation and acidification, which are important for TLR4/MD-2 signaling, like Chloroquine, or they may inhibit the pathway by mechanisms that have not been fully elucidated, such as Cyclosporin A.