Functional roles of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses.
Inflammation is a natural host defensive process that is largely regulated by macrophages during the innate immune response. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are proline-directed serine and threonine protein kinases that regulate many physiological and pathophysiological cell responses. p38 MAPKs are key MAPKs involved in the production of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). p38 MAPK signaling plays an essential role in regulating cellular processes, especially inflammation. In this paper, we summarize the characteristics of p38 signaling in macrophage-mediated inflammation. In addition, we discuss the potential of using inhibitors targeting p38 expression in macrophages to treat inflammatory diseases.
Department of Genetic Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea.
Yanyan
Y
Yang
Division of Gynecologic Oncology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 158-710, Republic of Korea.
Seung Cheol
0000-0002-5000-9914
SC
Kim
Department of Genetic Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea.
Tao
T
Yu
Department of Genetic Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea.
Young-Su
0000-0002-7166-3659
YS
Yi
College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701, Republic of Korea.
Man Hee
0000-0002-3088-1318
MH
Rhee
Department of Herbal Crop Research, National Institutes of Horticultural & Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon 441-707, Republic of Korea.
Gi-Ho
GH
Sung
Colorectal Cancer Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi 410-769, Republic of Korea.
Byong Chul
BC
Yoo
Department of Genetic Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea.
Jae Youl
0000-0001-8141-9927
JY
Cho
D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology*; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry; D015398:Signal Transduction; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*
D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D010936:Plant Extracts; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases