Description
Kynurenine (2922-83-0) is a tryptophan catabolite.1Endogenous tumor-promoting ligand of the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Constitutively generated by human tumor cells via the action of the tryptophan degrading enzyme, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). Kynurenine suppresses antitumor immune responses and promotes tumor cell survival and motility.2
Uses
L-Kynurenine has been used as a standard for indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) assay. It has also been used as a standard to extract and quantify kynurenine from cultured cells and media.
Definition
ChEBI: A kynurenine that has L configuration.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Key intermediate in the breakdown pathway of tryptophan.
References
[1] JOYCE A IBANA. Inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity by levo-1-methyl tryptophan blocks gamma interferon-induced Chlamydia trachomatis persistence in human epithelial cells.[J]. Infection and Immunity, 2011: 4425-4437. DOI:
10.1128/iai.05659-11[2] CHRISTIANE A. OPITZ. An endogenous tumour-promoting ligand of the human aryl hydrocarbon receptor[J]. Nature, 2011, 478 7368: 197-203. DOI:
10.1038/nature10491
