Transcriptional Synergism between NF-κB and STAT1

The transcriptional factors nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) play crucial roles in the initiation and development of innate and acquired immunity by inducing transcription of many genes that are essential for host defense mechanisms. Although NF-κB and STAT1 are activated by distinct extracellular stimuli, such as tumor necrosis factor and interferon gamma, respectively, these transcription factors often interact to regulate the expression of inflammatory genes at the transcriptional level. The cross-talk between NF-κB and STAT1 is orchestrated by transcriptional coactivator CREB binding protein (CBP) and p300, which integrate distinct extracellular signals in the nucleus for gene expression in the context of control of immune responses. This review focuses on the cross-talk between NF-κB and STAT1 in the regulation of inflammatory gene expression and the mechanisms involved in the regulation of transcriptional synergy between NF-κB and STAT1.