Novel Therapeutic Approaches to Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Aptamers as Central Nervous System Agents

Introduction: Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis all begin with neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation targeting has recently gained attention as a potential approach to treating several diseases affecting the central nervous system. The objective of this review is to explore the potential of aptamers as innovative therapeutic agents for targeting neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disorders, offering a novel approach to CNS treatment. Methods: The use of aptamers, which are single-stranded nucleic acids, in diagnostic and therapeutic contexts may one day help overcome these obstacles. Myotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders are linked to neuroinflammation. Important regulators of CNS inflammatory responses include microglia and astrocytes. Results: Neurotoxic (M1-phenotype microglia and A1-phenotype astrocytes) and neuroprotective (M2-phenotype microglia and A2-phenotype astrocytes) activation of microglia and astrocytes, respectively, is a diverse and complex process. There may be a lack of reflection of the diverse morphologies of microglia and astrocytes in this binary categorisation. In addition to the complexity of the relationships between these activated glial cells, the phenotypic distribution can vary as neurodegenerative illnesses progress. Discussion: To create effective treatments for neurodegenerative illnesses, a deeper knowledge of microglia and astrocyte functions is required. Drug efficacy, safety concerns, and pharmacokinetics are only a few of the topics covered, along with the enormous possibilities and enormous hurdles of employing aptamers as therapeutic agents. Conclusion: This review highlights aptamers as a promising genetic tool for treating neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases through targeted delivery to the central nervous system.