Mitogen-activated protein kinases and asthma.
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are evolutionary conserved enzymes which play a key role in signal transduction mediated by cytokines, growth factors, neurotransmitters and various types of environmental stresses. In the airways, these extracellular stimuli elicit complex inflammatory and structural changes leading to the typical features of asthma including T cell activation, eosinophil and mast cell infiltration, as well as bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway remodelling. Because MAPKs represent an important point of convergence for several different signalling pathways, they affect multiple aspects of normal airway function and also significantly contribute to asthma pathophysiology. Therefore, this review focuses on the crucial involvement of MAPKs in asthma pathogenesis, thus also discussing their emerging role as molecular targets for anti-asthma drugs.
Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Italy. pelaia@unicz.it
Girolamo
G
Pelaia
Giovanni
G
Cuda
Alessandro
A
Vatrella
Luca
L
Gallelli
Michele
M
Caraglia
Monica
M
Marra
Alberto
A
Abbruzzese
Mario
M
Caputi
Rosario
R
Maselli
Francesco S
FS
Costanzo
Serafino A
SA
Marsico
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001980:Bronchi / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000276:immunology; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D015394:Molecular Structure
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases