The aryl hydrocarbon receptor （AhR） was discovered more than three decades ago, and initially was char-acterized as a transcription factor with a role in xe-nobiotic metabolism. However, based on subsequent observat...The aryl hydrocarbon receptor （AhR） was discovered more than three decades ago, and initially was char-acterized as a transcription factor with a role in xe-nobiotic metabolism. However, based on subsequent observations that AhR remains active under physiologi-cal conditions, exhibits constitutive expression during development, and has a high degree of conservation among species, it was hypothesized that AhR is re-sponsible for functions in addition to its role in detoxif-cation. Correspondingly, recent studies have elucidated novel physiological roles for this ligand-dependent transcription factor that link it to several pathways associated with disease development. In this review, studies are presented that support a role for AhR in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune homeostasis, thereby highlighting the therapeutic potential of this receptor for cancer and immune disorders.展开更多
文摘The aryl hydrocarbon receptor （AhR） was discovered more than three decades ago, and initially was char-acterized as a transcription factor with a role in xe-nobiotic metabolism. However, based on subsequent observations that AhR remains active under physiologi-cal conditions, exhibits constitutive expression during development, and has a high degree of conservation among species, it was hypothesized that AhR is re-sponsible for functions in addition to its role in detoxif-cation. Correspondingly, recent studies have elucidated novel physiological roles for this ligand-dependent transcription factor that link it to several pathways associated with disease development. In this review, studies are presented that support a role for AhR in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune homeostasis, thereby highlighting the therapeutic potential of this receptor for cancer and immune disorders.
