title: NF-kappaB in transplantation: friend or foe?
abstract: NF-kappaB is an inducible nuclear transcription factor regulating the expression of many genes. NF-kappaB activation may function as a master switch in a variety of immune and inflammatory processes, including sepsis and transplant tolerance. In this review, we summarize features of NF-kappaB regulation, as well as describe its role in intracellular signal transduction pathways. Subsequently, we concentrate on the role of NF-kappaB in the field of organ transplantation and the role of NF-kappaB in organ ischemia/reperfusion injury and graft rejection. Finally, potential therapeutic strategies are discussed to modify NF-kappaB activity with certain immunosuppression medications, including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and glucocorticoids.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Starzl Transplant Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tsoulfas
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Geller
mesh_terms: D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000494:pharmacology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000378:metabolism; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051379:Mice; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000096:biosynthesis; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / Q000235:genetics; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000502:physiology*; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000494:pharmacology; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016328:NF-kappa B; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D012460:Sulfasalazine; D016572:Cyclosporine; C496319:NOS2 protein, human; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; C496317:Nos2 protein, mouse; D016559:Tacrolimus