Redox Regulation of Inflammatory Processes Is Enzymatically Controlled

Figure 1

Concept of redox signaling. A signal is sensed by its receptor, inducing the enzymatic catalyzed production and release of second messengers (e.g., H₂O₂, NO, and H₂S). These activate a cascade of transducing proteins via specific oxidative modifications at Cys residues (e.g., disulfide formation, nitrosylation, and sulfhydration). The effector molecule induces the biological response. A signal can also induce the reduction of distinct Cys residues. The activated signaling cascade becomes terminated, and cysteinyl modifications are reversed. The involved thiol groups are known as thiol switches. Their reduction (green), as well as their oxidation (red) are regulated by different enzymes.