Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor Antibody (AHR)

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor, also called AHR and bHLHe76, is a member of the family of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors. It is a cytosolic transcription factor that is normally inactive, bound to several co-chaperones. The gene is mapped on 7p21.1. Estrogenic actions of AHR agonists were detected in wildtype ovariectomized mouse uteri, but were absent in Ahr-/- or Er-alpha -/- ovariectomized mice. CD4-positive cells from mice lacking the recepter developed Th17 responses but failed to produce IL-22 and did not show enhanced Th17 development. Activation of Aryl hydrocarbon receptor during induction of EAE accelerated disease onset and increased pathology in wildtype mice, but not in -/- mice. The TDO-AHR pathway is active in human brain tumors and is associated with malignant progression and poor survival. Activity within ROR-gamma-t-positive ILC could be induced by dietary ligands such as those contained in vegetables of the family Brassicaceae.