Abstract
Despite the importance of glucocorticoids (GCs) to modern medicine, the physiological role of endogenous corticosteroids in immunomodulation is poorly understood. This article discusses evidence suggesting that endogenous GCs not only suppress but also direct and enhance immune functions. These often overlooked actions might well be more important than the inhibitory functions during host defence and the maintenance of homeostasis.
MeSH terms
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Acute-Phase Reaction / etiology
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Allergy and Immunology / trends
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Animals
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B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Cytokines / biosynthesis
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Glucocorticoids / immunology*
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Glucocorticoids / pharmacology
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Humans
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Lymphocytes / drug effects
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Lymphocytes / immunology
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Models, Biological
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Sepsis / drug therapy
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T-Lymphocyte Subsets / drug effects
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T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
Substances
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Cytokines
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Glucocorticoids