C/EBP Transcription Factors in Lung Disease

CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs) are key-regulators of cell differentiation and linked processes such as proliferation, apoptosis and gene expression in several organs. C/EBPs are also central for inflammatory responses and infectious defenses, but so far little is known of their role in lung diseases. However, a role for these intracellular proteins has recently been suggested in asthma, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis-COPD. In this mini-review, an overview of the biological roles of C/EBPs in lung is provided, together with a discussion of the recent studies suggesting a role for these transcription factors in the pathogenesis of some of our most common and severe lung diseases.