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Estrogen Receptors in Immunity and Autoimmunity

Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology volume 40, pages 66–73 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

Due to the female predominance of autoimmune diseases, the role of gender and sex hormones in the immune system is of long-term interest. Estrogen's primary effects are mediated via estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ER α/β) that are expressed on most immune cells. ERs are nuclear hormone receptors that can either directly bind to estrogen response elements in gene promoters or serve as cofactors with other transcription factors (i.e., NFkB/AP1). Cytoplasmic ER and membrane associated ER impact specific kinase signaling pathways. ERs have prominent effects on immune function in both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Genetic deficiency of ERα in murine models of lupus resulted in significantly decreased disease and prolonged survival, while ERβ deficiency had minimal to no effect in autoimmune models. The protective effect of ERα in lupus is multifactoral. In arthritis models, ERα agonists appears to mediate a protective effect. The modulation of ERα function appears to be a potential target for therapy in autoimmunity.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a Merit Review Award and a REAP award from the Veterans Administration Medical Research Service.

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  1. Medical Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson VAMC and the Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 912, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA

    Melissa Cunningham & Gary Gilkeson

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Cunningham, M., Gilkeson, G. Estrogen Receptors in Immunity and Autoimmunity. Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol 40, 66–73 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-010-8203-5

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