p38 MAPK signalling cascades in inflammatory disease

Inflammatory mediators released during acute and chronic diseases activate multiple intracellular signalling cascades including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathway, which plays a significan t role in the recruitment of leukocytes to sites of inflammation, Stimulati on of leukocytes by pro-inflammatory cytokines is known to result in the ac tivation of the MAPK isoform p38, However, the functional consequences of p 38 MAPK activation during leukocyte recruitment, including adhesion, migrat ion and effector functions such as oxidative burst and degranulation, are o nly just beginning to be elucidated, Specific p38 inhibitors aimed at reduc ing the production of inflammatory mediators are now being developed, and m ight in the future provide more effective treatment for inflammatory diseas es.