MAPK- and PKC/CREB-dependent induction of interleukin-11 by the environmental contaminant formaldehyde in human bronchial epithelial cells

► The formaldehyde, an indoor pollutant, up-regulates interleukin-11 expression in human lung epithelial cells. ► MAP kinases and PKC/CREB signaling pathways are required for formaldehyde-induced IL-11 expression. ► IL-11 constitutes a molecular target of formaldehyde, which could be involved in its deleterious lung effects.