Prostaglandin E2 stimulates COX-2 expression via mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 but not ERK in human follicular dendritic cell-like cells

Background Prostaglandin E2 (PGE 2 ) is an endogenous lipid mediator of inflammation. Its production is regulated by the rate-limiting upstream enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). We have recently demonstrated that the major cell type expressing COX-2 in the germinal center is follicular dendritic cell (FDC). In this study, to elucidate the molecular mechanism of PGE 2 in COX-2 production, we asked whether mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK and...