Innate immunity in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: recent advances

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common dose-limiting side effect in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Many commonly used chemotherapeutic agents simultaneously induce neurotoxicity and modulate the immune system. Emerging evidence highlights a critical role of the innate immune system in the development of various neuropathic pain conditions. As a natural immune defense mechanism formed during phylogenetic evolution, innate immunity elicits a robust response during CIPN pathogenesis. This review summarizes the roles of the innate immune system-including the skin barrier, innate immune cells, and innate immune molecules-in the context of CIPN.