Glucocorticoids in the regulation of transcription factors that control cytokine synthesis.

The interaction at different levels between intracellular signals elicited by cytokines and activated glucocorticoid receptors (GR) is essential for the regulation of immune responses. We describe different levels of interaction between glucocorticoids and cytokines which result in the induction or repression of gene transcription. These include the regulation of cytokine receptor expression, the molecular cross-talk between the GR and transcription factors (TFs) activated by cytokine signaling, the interaction with several signaling pathways and also posttranslational modifications of both GR and TFs. Also, an overview of the implications of chromatin remodeling in this interplay is discussed. The complexity of the intricate network involved in the interaction between GR and TFs is pivotal for the final outcome of cytokines biological action.