Role of the Cyclosporin-sensitive Transcription Factor NFAT1 in the Allergic Response

Abstract

Proteins belonging to the NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) family of transcription factors are expressed in most immune cell types, and play a central role in the transcription of cytokine genes, such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and GM-CSF. The activity of NFAT proteins is regulated by the calcium/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin, a target for inhibition by CsA and FK506. Recently, two different groups have described that mice lacking the NFAT1 transcription factorshow an enhanced immune response, with tendency towards the development of a late Th2-like response. This review evaluates the possible role of NFAT proteins in the Th2 immune response and in the eosinophil mediated allergic respons