Therapeutic approaches for control of transcription factors in allergic disease

J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Apr;121(4):803-9; quiz 810-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2008.02.008.

Abstract

The inflammatory response observed in allergic disease involves multiple cell types but is orchestrated in part by the T(H)2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. In recent years, the transcription factors that control the expression and function of these cytokines have been elucidated, including signal transducer and activator of transcription 6, GATA3, nuclear factor of activated T cells, and nuclear factor kappaB. These molecules are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention because they regulate the expression of numerous effector molecules and functions simultaneously. For instance, the immunosuppressive agents glucocorticoids and cyclosporin A both function by repressing the activity of transcription factors through a variety of mechanisms. In this review we examine the role of each transcription factor in allergic disease and discuss approaches that have been taken to therapeutically interfere with transcription factor function in allergic disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / drug therapy
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity / pathology*
  • Hypersensitivity / prevention & control*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation Mediators / adverse effects
  • Inflammation Mediators / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Inflammation Mediators / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / pathology
  • Transcription Factors / adverse effects
  • Transcription Factors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Transcription Factors