Immunomodulatory Effects of Genetic Alterations Affecting the Kynurenine Pathway.

ABSTRACT: Several enzymes and metabolites of the kynurenine pathway (KP) have immunomodulatory effects. Modulation of the activities and levels of these molecules might be of particular importance under disease conditions when the amelioration of overreacting immune responses is desired. Results obtained by the use of animal and tissue culture models indicate that by eliminating or decreasing activities of key enzymes of the KP, a beneficial shift in disease outcome can be attained. This review summarizes experimental data of models in which IDO, TDO, or KMO activity modulation was achieved by interventions affecting enzyme production at a genomic level. Elimination of IDO activity was found to improve the outcome of sepsis, certain viral infections, chronic inflammation linked to diabetes, obesity,

SUBMITTER: Boros FA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6851023 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature