Molecular mechanisms of immunomodulatory activity of glucocorticoids.
The development and function of cells in the immune system are regulated by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors. One class of molecule that affects immune cells belongs to the neuroendocrine system and the best-studied mediators in this category are glucocorticoids. These are small lypophilic molecules that participate in a wide number of normal and pathologic processes. This paper concentrates on their physiologic and pharmacologic effects on the immune response.
Riccardi
Carlo
C
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Chemotherapy, University of Perugia, via del Giochetto, 06100 Perugia, Italy. riccardi@unipg.it
Bruscoli
Stefano
S
Migliorati
Graziella
G
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid / Q000187:drug effects; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016207:Cytokines; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid