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.