International Journal of Molecular Sciences Review Anaphylaxis: Focus on Transcription Factor Activity Yanru Guo 1,2, Elizabeth Proaño-Pérez 1,2, Rosa Muñoz-Cano 2,3,4 and Margarita Martin 1,2,4,* 1 Biochemistry Unit, Biomedicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
[email protected] (Y.G.);
[email protected] (E.P.-P.) 2 Clinical and Experimental Respiratory Immunoallergy (IRCE), Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
[email protected] 3 Allergy Section, Pneumology Department, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain 4 ARADyAL (Asthma, Drug Adverse Reactions and Allergy) Research Network, 28029 Madrid, Spain * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +34-93-4024541; Fax: +34-93-4035882 Abstract: Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, rapid in onset, and can lead to fatal consequences if not promptly treated. The incidence of anaphylaxis has risen at an alarming rate in past decades and continues to rise. Therefore, there is a general interest in understanding the molecular mechanism that leads to an exacerbated response. The main effector cells are mast cells, commonly triggered by stimuli that involve the IgE-dependent or IgE-independent pathway. These signaling pathways converge in the release of proinflammatory mediators, such as histamine, tryptases, prostaglandins, etc., in minutes. The action and cell targets of these proinflammatory mediators are linked to the pathophysiologic consequences observed in this severe allergic reaction. While many molecules are involved in cellular regulation, the expression and regulation of transcription factors involved in the synthesis of proinflammatory mediators and secretory granule homeostasis are of special interest, due to their ability to control gene expression and change phenotype, and they may be key in the severity of the entire reaction.