MINI REVIEW article
Front. Immunol.
Sec. Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology
Targeting Lipocalin-2 for Multiple Sclerosis: A Dual Role in Diagnosis and Therapy
1. Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
2. Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
The discovery of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets is essential for advancing multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment strategies. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), a 25-kDa glycoprotein, has gained considerable attention for its diverse roles in immune regulation and neuroinflammation. Its expression varies across MS subtypes and disease stages, influencing both peripheral immune responses and central nervous system pathology. Growing evidence has demonstrated the involvement of LCN2 in modulating immune cell function, glial reactivity, and blood-brain barrier integrity. Clinical studies have consistently correlated LCN2 levels in patient biofluids with disease parameters, supporting its potential as a biomarker. Moreover, experimental studies targeting LCN2 have shown promising therapeutic potential. This review examines the role of LCN2 in MS, focusing on its impact on peripheral immune cells, neuroinflammation, and its viability as a biomarker and therapeutic target. We also discuss the relevance of LCN2-targeting therapies within the evolving MS treatment landscape, underscoring the need for further research in this area.
Summary
Keywords
biomarker, Lipocalin-2, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuroinflammation, Therapeutic target
Received
03 October 2025
Accepted
17 February 2026
Copyright
© 2026 Afridi, Lee, Song and Suk. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Kyoungho Suk
Disclaimer
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