Pathway: IFNG signaling activates MAPKs
Reactions in pathway: IFNG signaling activates MAPKs :
IFNG signaling activates MAPKs
Interferon-gamma (IFNG) signaling results in transient activation of MAPK1 (ERK2) and MAPK3 (ERK1) (Sakatsume et al. 1998, Ulloa et al. 1999). IFNG-mediated MAPK (ERK) activation is JAK1-dependent and RAS-independent (Sakatsume et al. 1998). It is thought to occur through JAK1-meidated phosphorylation of RAF1 (Sakatsume et al. 1998).
Cytokines are small proteins that regulate and mediate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. They are secreted in response to immune stimuli, and usually act briefly, locally, at very low concentrations. Cytokines bind to specific membrane receptors, which then signal the cell via second messengers, to regulate cellular activity.
Humans are exposed to millions of potential pathogens daily, through contact, ingestion, and inhalation. Our ability to avoid infection depends on the adaptive immune system and during the first critical hours and days of exposure to a new pathogen, our innate immune system.