Inducible nitric oxide synthase activation by interleukin-17

Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2004 Feb;15(1):21-32. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2003.10.003.

Abstract

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a proinflammatory T cell cytokine presumably involved in physiological responses to infection, but also in immunopathology of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The proinflammatory action of IL-17 depends considerably on its ability to trigger the expression of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS), an enzyme responsible for the generation of cytotoxic and immunoregulatory free radical NO. Here we discuss the role of IL-17 in the cytokine network controlling iNOS expression, and analyze signaling pathways employed by IL-17 for the initiation of iNOS gene transcription. We also propose biological consequences of IL-17-mediated NO release that could be relevant for the mechanisms or therapy of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chondrocytes / metabolism
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Free Radicals
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-17 / physiology*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System
  • Models, Biological
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Free Radicals
  • Interleukin-17
  • Nitric Oxide
  • NOS2 protein, human
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II