Annexin A1 and glucocorticoids as effectors of the resolution of inflammation

Nat Rev Immunol. 2009 Jan;9(1):62-70. doi: 10.1038/nri2470.

Abstract

Glucocorticoids are widely used for the management of inflammatory diseases. Their clinical application stems from our understanding of the inhibitory effect of the corticosteroid hormone cortisol on several components of the immune system. Endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids mediate their multiple anti-inflammatory effects through many effector molecules. In this Opinion article, we focus on the role of one such effector molecule, annexin A1, and summarize the recent studies that provide insight into its molecular and pharmacological functions in immune responses. In addition, we propose a model in which glucocorticoids regulate the expression and function of annexin A1 in opposing ways in innate and adaptive immune cells to mediate the resolution of inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Annexin A1 / deficiency
  • Annexin A1 / genetics
  • Annexin A1 / physiology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Circadian Rhythm
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Glucocorticoids / pharmacology
  • Glucocorticoids / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / physiology
  • Immune System / drug effects
  • Immune System / physiology*
  • Immunity, Innate / drug effects
  • Inflammation / physiopathology*
  • Lipoxins / physiology
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Immunological
  • Monocytes / immunology
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Neutrophils / immunology
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Receptors, Formyl Peptide / deficiency
  • Receptors, Formyl Peptide / genetics
  • Receptors, Formyl Peptide / physiology
  • Receptors, Lipoxin / physiology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology

Substances

  • Annexin A1
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • FPR2 protein, human
  • Fpr1 protein, mouse
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Lipoxins
  • Receptors, Formyl Peptide
  • Receptors, Lipoxin
  • formyl peptide receptor 2, mouse
  • lipoxin A4
  • Hydrocortisone