The two-sided impact of beta-adrenergic receptor ligands on inflammation

Beta-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) encompass three distinct subtypes, which participate in modulating inflammatory responses. Both agonists and antagonists of these receptors are used to treat numerous diseases and have often been observed to have a protective role on different kinds of tissues. β-AR antagonists are used to treat cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but may worsen inflammation in neurodegenerative disorders. However, two β-AR antagonists, carvedilol and nebivolol, can attenuate the formation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Many β-AR agonists have proved to mediate anti-inflammatory signals, especially in regard to suppressing the inflammatory response of macrophages or providing protective effects in cases of hypoxia. The activation of beta-adrenergic receptors can, however, be a double-edged sword, as their overactivation may result in cardiac inflammation. Here, we aim to provide an overview of recent advances in studying the connection between β-ARs and inflammation.