Transcription factors in asthma and COPD.

Inflammation is a central feature of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and both are characterized by an increased transcription of pro-inflammatory proteins (eg, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and enzymes). Changes in inflammatory gene transcription are regulated by transcription factors that may therefore play a key role in the pathogenesis of asthma and COPD by amplifying and perpetuating the inflammatory process, and thereby contributing to disease severity and responsiveness to treatment. Several new compounds based on interactions with specific transcription factors or their activation pathways are now in development for the treatment of asthma and COPD.