PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Auphan, Nathalie AU - DiDonato, Joseph A. AU - Rosette, Caridad AU - Helmberg, Arno AU - Karin, Michael TI - Immunosuppression by Glucocorticoids: Inhibition of NF-κB Activity Through Induction of IκB Synthesis AID - 10.1126/science.270.5234.286 DP - 1995 Oct 13 TA - Science PG - 286--290 VI - 270 IP - 5234 4099 - http://science.sciencemag.org/content/270/5234/286.short 4100 - http://science.sciencemag.org/content/270/5234/286.full SO - Science1995 Oct 13; 270 AB - Glucocorticoids are among the most potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. They inhibit synthesis of almost all known cytokines and of several cell surface molecules required for immune function, but the mechanism underlying this activity has been unclear. Here it is shown that glucocorticoids are potent inhibitors of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation in mice and cultured cells. This inhibition is mediated by induction of the IκBα inhibitory protein, which traps activated NF-κB in inactive cytoplasmic complexes. Because NF-κB activates many immunoregulatory genes in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli, the inhibition of its activity can be a major component of the anti-inflammatory activity of glucocorticoids.