NF-KB MEDIATED TRANSCRIPTION IN HUMAN MONOCYTIC CELLS AND ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS

Monocytes and endothelial cells become activated at sites of inflammat ion and contribute to the pathology of many diseases, including septic shock and atherosclerosis. In these cells, induction of genes express ing various inflammatory mediators, such as adhesion molecules, cytoki nes, and growth factors, is regulated by NF-kappa B/Rel transcription factors. Recent studies have identified components of the signal trans duction pathways leading to the activation of NF-kappa B/Rel proteins. Inhibition of these signaling pathways provides a novel therapeutic a pproach to prevent inducible gene expression in both monocytes and end othelial cells. (C) 1998, Elsevier Science Inc.