Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) plays an important role in macrophage stimulation.

ABSTRACT: The small molecule anti-tumor agent, 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA, now called Vadimezan) is a potent macrophage and dendritic cell activating agent that, in the murine system, results in the release of large amounts of cytokines and chemokines. The mechanisms by which this release is mediated have not been fully elucidated. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways play an important role in the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, as well as the responses to extracellular stimuli, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results of this study demonstrate that DMXAA activates three members of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily, namely p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1 and ERK2), and c-Jun N-termin

SUBMITTER: Sun J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3191304 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature