Histone deacetylase inhibitors as novel anti-inflammatory agents.

Histone acetylation regulates inflammatory gene expression and also plays a role in diverse functions such as DNA repair and cell proliferation. Changes in histone acetylation patterns have been reported in many human diseases, particularly cancer, and investigators have used histone deacetylase inhibitors (eg, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid and MS-275) against many malignancies. In vitro and in vivo data in a number of cell types and animal models of disease indicate that selective histone deacetylase inhibitors may have the potential to act as anti-inflammatory agents possibly acting through non-histone proteins. More evidence is required concerning the long-term safety of these agents, for example, lung destruction, and in comparison with currently used therapies.