Thiol regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and innate immunity: protein S-thiolation as a novel molecular mechanism

In?ammation or in?ammatory cytokines and oxidative stress have often been associated, and thiol antioxidants, particularly glutathione, have often been seen as possible anti-in?ammatory mediators. However, while several cytokine inhibitors have been approved for drug use in chronic in?ammatory diseases, this has not happened with antioxidant molecules. We outline the complexity of the role protein thiol-disul?de oxidoreduction in the regulation of immunity and in?ammation, the underlying molecular mechanisms (such as protein glutathionylation) and the key enzyme players such as Trx (thioredoxin) or Grx (glutaredoxin).