Role of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta in the inflammatory response caused by bacterial pathogens

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3 beta) plays a fundamental role during the inflammatory response induced by bacteria. Depending on the pathogen and its virulence factors, the type of cell and probably the context in which the interaction between host cells and bacteria takes place, GSK3 beta may promote or inhibit inflammation. The goal of this review is to discuss recent findings on the role of the inhibition or activation of GSK3 beta and its modulation of the inflammatory signaling in monocytes/macrophages and epithelial cells at the transcriptional level, mainly through the regulation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappa B) activity. Also included is a brief overview on the importance of GSK3 in non-inflammatory processes during bacterial infection.