Shikonin inhibited mitogen-activated IL-4 and IL-5 production on EL-4 cells through downregulation of GATA-3 and c-Maf induction

This study suggests that downregulation of GATA-3 and c-Maf via the suppression of p38, IKK-β and IκB-α phosphorylation might contribute to the inhibitory effect of shikonin on mitogen-induced IL-4 and IL-5 production in EL-4T cells. Furthermore, shikonin is a potential drug for treating allergic diseases.