Enzymes involved in inflammation

Enzymes involved in inflammation comprise a broad category of proteins that catalyze chemical reactions essential for the initiation, maintenance, and resolution of the inflammatory response [StatPearls: NBK493173]. This heterogeneous group includes cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), which convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, and lipoxygenases (LOX), which produce leukotrienes [PubMed: PMC2667602]. Additionally, intracellular kinases such as Janus kinases (JAK) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) serve as critical enzymatic components of signaling pathways that respond to pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha [NIH: NBK565863]. In disease states, these enzymes are often overexpressed or hyperactive, leading to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and autoimmune disorders. Therapeutic strategies involve the use of inhibitors like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for COX or selective inhibitors for JAK to dampen the immune response. Because many of these enzymes have 'housekeeping' roles, such as maintaining gastric mucosa or renal blood flow, therapeutic targeting must balance efficacy with potential safety risks like gastrointestinal toxicity or immunosuppression [StatPearls: NBK547740].

Other names

Inflammatory enzymesPro-inflammatory enzymesEnzymes of the inflammatory cascade

Inhibition of specific enzymatic activity (e.g., cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, or kinase activity) to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, or to block intracellular signaling pathways that drive cytokine expression.