Biochemical Society transactions
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Biochemical studies have shown that domain 5 of the TrkA (tropomyosin receptor kinase A) receptor is involved in the binding of NGF (nerve growth factor). Crystallographic studies have confirmed this, demonstrating that one homodimer of NGF binds to two TrkAd5 molecules. ⋯ Selected hits were shown to be active in an in vitro ligand-binding assay; structure-activity relationships are now being investigated. In addition, TrkAd5 has been shown to be efficacious in preclinical models of inflammatory pain and asthma by the sequestration of excess levels of endogenous NGF, and therefore represents a novel therapeutic agent.