Transcription factor-targeted therapies in inflammatory bowel disease

Although the causes of inflammatory bowel disease currently are not fully u nderstood, increasing evidence implicates cytokines as key factors in the d evelopment of this disorder. The rationale for cytokine-targeted therapy fo r inflammatory bowel disease has been refined significantly, and clinical s tudies have been initiated. Recent investigations have focused on transcrip tion factors that regulate production and activation of cytokines, includin g the nuclear factor-kappaB, the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, and the Janus kinases/sig nal transducers and activator of transcription pathways. Although their exa ct role in inflammatory bowel disease is still unknown, further studies may lead to identification of additional possible targets for therapeutic inte rvention that could improve management of the disease. Copyright (C) 2001 S . Karger AG, Basel.