Application of Neurotrophic Factors as a Therapeutic Approach for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are secreted proteins that are crucial in neuronal growth, survival, and function. Individuals with neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by neuronal loss and various functional disorders, have been reported to exhibit altered levels of NTFs. This suggests that modulating NTF levels may offer a promising therapeutic strategy to alter the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Although numerous efforts have been made to deliver NTFs to target regions, their clinical application remains challenging due to their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the adverse side effects observed in clinical trials. Consequently, various delivery methods have been explored to overcome these limitations. In this review, we discuss recent therapeutic approaches utilizing NTFs and their signaling pathways as interventions against neurodegenerative diseases.