A role for transcription factor NF-kB in intestinal inflammation (original) (raw)

Abstract

Nuclear factor (NF)_κ_B is a transcription factor that controls the transcription of a variety of cellular genes regulating the inflammatory response. Many proinflammatory cytokines are transcriptionally regulated by NF-_κ_B, and their increased expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Even though it seemed clear that the increase in proinflammatory cytokine production in IBD is crucial for the initiation and perpetuation of chronic intestinal inflammation, the elements governing this dysregulation of enhanced cytokine production remained unclear. This review discusses a series of recent studies that demonstrate the activation of NF-_κ_B in the inflamed mucosa, and that shed new light on the central pathogenic role of NF-_κ_B in chronic intestinal inflammation. In addition to describing the activation of NF-_κ_B, excitement has been generated by reports that define the molecular targets of anti-inflammatory agents, and that demonstrate the effective blockade of NF-_κ_B in intestinal inflammation. These new insights into the activation and inhibition of NF-_κ_B have opened new and promising avenues for a more specific treatment of chronic intestinal inflammation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295, USA Tel.: +1-919-9663884, Fax: +1-919-9668212, , , , , , US
    A. J. G. Schottelius & A. S. Baldwin Jr.

Authors

  1. A. J. G. Schottelius
  2. A. S. Baldwin Jr.

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Accepted: 25 November 1998

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Schottelius, A., Baldwin Jr., A. A role for transcription factor NF-kB in intestinal inflammation.Int J Colorect Dis 14, 18–28 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003840050178

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