2009/01/12 by Emily A. Stevens, Joshua D. Mezrich, Christopher A. Bradfield
Environmental Science · Immunology and Microbiology · #Immune Cell Function and Interaction #T-cell and B-cell Immunology #Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2567.2009.03054.x
openalex publication_date 2009/01/12 · crossref created 2009/01/12 · crossref issued 2009/06/01 · crossref published 2009/06/01 · crossref published-online 2009/06/01 · crossref published-print 2009/07/01 · crossref deposited 2025/02/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · crossref indexed 2026/07/29 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a protein best known for its role in mediating toxicity. Over 30 years of research has uncovered additional roles for the AHR in xenobiotic metabolism and normal vascular development. Activation of the AHR has long been known to cause immunotoxicity, including thymic involution. Recent data suggesting a role for the AHR in regulatory T-cell (Treg) and T-helper 17 (Th17) cell development have only added to the excitement about this biology. In this review, we will attempt to illustrate what is currently known about AHR biology in the hope that data from fields as diverse as evolutionary biology and pharmacology will help elucidate the mechanism by which AHR modifies immune responses. We also will discuss the complexities of AHR pharmacology and genetics that may influence future studies of AHR in the immune system.