Research on the Role of ADAM17 in the Development of Inflammation

ADAM17 (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 17), also known as Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Converting Enzyme (TACE), is an important member of the ADAMs family and possesses the activity of a metalloproteinase. The substrates of TACE include the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and its ligands, cytokines, cytokine receptors, and adhesion molecules, totaling more than 90 types, which subsequently modulate several intracellular signaling pathways, and therefore alter cell behavior. These substrates can largely influence the occurrence and progression of inflammation. Dysregulated expression and/or activation of ADAM17 has been linked to a wide range of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. This review will introduce the structure and function of TACE, as well as TACE substrates related to inflammation. It also outlines the role of TACE inhibitors in several inflammatory diseases from preclinical models and clinical data, and discusses the potential therapeutic significance of targeting ADAM17 in treating these diseases.