Emerging roles of amphiregulin in disease pathogenesis and therapeutic promise.

Amphiregulin (AREG) is an EGF-like ligand that binds EGFR to activate signaling pathways governing cellular proliferation, differentiation, tissue repair, and immune responses. This review integrates AREG's structural characteristics and signaling mechanisms with its biological functions derived from cell-based and animal models. We critically evaluate AREG's mechanistic involvement in cardiovascular, respiratory, intestinal, neoplastic, and infectious diseases, highlighting its dual roles in tissue protection and pathogenesis. The broader significance lies in discussing AREG's translational potential and associated therapeutic challenges for these diseases.