LPS-induced Nitric Oxide Production Pathway

The LPS-induced nitric oxide production pathway describes how bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a common pathogen-associated molecular pattern, stimulates immune cells, notably macrophages, to produce nitric oxide (NO) via the transcriptional upregulation and activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS/NOS2)[1][3][4][5]. This induction involves upstream signaling pathways, including MAPK and NF-κB, and plays a central role in host defense, vasodilation, and the regulation of inflammation. Dysregulation of this pathway is implicated in a variety of inflammatory conditions and septic shock. Therapeutic modulation often targets iNOS to reduce harmful levels of NO, with inhibitors like aminoguanidine or anti-inflammatory agents such as dexamethasone showing efficacy in preclinical models. Monitoring NO or iNOS levels serves as a biomarker for pathway activation and disease progression[1][3][4][5]. In summary, "LPS-induced Nitric Oxide Production Pathway" should not be treated as a single target but as a descriptive term for the cellular signaling processes involving iNOS activation. For a structured database, map queries of this kind to the relevant molecular target (iNOS, NOS2) when possible.

Other names

Lipopolysaccharide-induced NO pathwayLPS-iNOS pathwayLPS-induced nitric oxide pathway

Inhibition of iNOS activity blocks NO synthesis; corticosteroids inhibit the transcriptional upregulation of iNOS by blocking NF-κB signaling