Current Pharmaceutical Design - Volume 10, Issue 23, 2004

The analysis of the molecular basis of autoimmune diseases is currently under intense investigation. The identification of novel mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these diseases generates the possibility for the development of new therapeutic agents. In this review we summarize the results leading to novel insights concerning the molecular processes involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, Read More

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is involved in the regulation of numerous physiological processes. In the immune system, it is thought to participate in lymphocyte apoptosis, T cell development and inflammatory responses. The extensive use of synthetic glucocorticoids as anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-neoplastic drugs underscores the importance of the GR in immunomodulation. However, no Read More

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) belongs to the steroid hormone receptor subclass of nuclear receptors and controls physiological processes through activation and repression of specific target genes. The ligand-activated receptor dimer activates gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences (glucocorticoid response element, GRE) in the promoter regions of glucocorticoid-regulated genes. In contrast to the re Read More

Glucocorticoids are the first line medication used in the therapy of many severe inflammatory disorders. They exert their activity through binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, a ligand-dependent transcription factor, and result in either activation or repression of a large set of glucocorticoid responsive genes. The desired immunosuppressive effect is apparently due largely to the down-regulation of a variety of pro-inflammat Read More

A battery of proinflammatory agents triggers the activation of NF-κB. This inducible transcription factor participates in the expression of an exceptionally large number of target genes, many of them contributing to the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. Since some target genes also function as NF-κB activators, activation of this transcription factor allows the establishment of a signal amplification loop. Dysregula Read More

The immune response is regulated by the concerted action of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The deregulation of this process causes immunological disorders like allergic and autoimmune diseases. The Janus Kinase (JAK) - Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is one major signaling pathway converting the cytokine signal into gene expression programs regulating the proliferation and di Read More

The architecture of the cell nucleus has long been a matter of debate, and is still not completely understood yet. However, much progress has been made in the last few years, gradually unraveling nuclear infrastructure and its importance of the regulation of key genetic events. It is now established that the readout of genetic information and its faithful duplication are not only affected by regulatory sequences in the geno Read More

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) was first isolated from hypothalamic extracts on the basis of its ability to stimulate cAMP formation in pituitary cells. PACAP is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and exerts numerous effects. Currently available data indicate that PACAP is a promising neuroprotective peptide. PACAP plays an important role during the development of the Read More

Antimicrobial molecules are ancient and essential small cationic molecules of the host defence system which are found in a wide variety of species. They display antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, fungi and viruses, an activity that has been mostly attributed to the disruption of microbial membranes. In this article, we will review the “classical” functions of 3 classes of antimicrobial molecules, namely defensins Read More