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Fig. 1.
Schematic representation of the receptor
specificity and mechanism of action of interleukin families thought to
be involved in atherogenesis. Most receptors have been found to consist
of heterodimeric complexes, frequently incorporating an
interleukin-specific chain in addition to a common chain that is shared
by the interleukin family members (including IL-2R
, 
c, and
gp130). Receptor activation initiates intracellular phosphorylation
cascades that are mediated by kinases (including p38 MAPK, c-Jun
N-terminal kinase, and JAKs), resulting in the activation and/or
nuclear translocation of transcription factors (including AP-1, STATs,
NF-
B). Binding of these factors to DNA consensus sequences, in
conjunction with the required cofactors, effects the expression of
specific patterns of pro- and/or anti-inflammatory mediators.
