Inflammation is the body's way of defending itself against noxious stimuli and pathogens. Under normal circumstances, the body is able to eliminate the insult and subsequently promote the resolution of
inflammation and the repair of damaged tissues. The concept of homeostasis is one that not only requires a fine balance between both pro-inflammatory mediators and pro-resolving/anti-inflammatory mediators, but also that this balance occurs in a time and space-specific manner. This review examines
annexin A1, an anti-inflammatory
protein that, when used as an exogenous therapeutic, has been shown to be very effective in limiting
inflammation in a diverse range of experimental models, including
myocardial ischemia/
reperfusion injury,
arthritis,
stroke,
multiple sclerosis, and
sepsis. Notably, this
glucocorticoid-inducible
protein, along with another anti-inflammatory mediator,
lipoxin A(4), is starting to help explain and shape our understanding of the resolution phase of
inflammation. In so doing, these molecules are carving the way for innovative
drug discovery, based on the stimulation of endogenous pro-resolving pathways.