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Interferon-gamma-inducing factor (IL-18) and interferon-gamma in inflammatory CNS diseases
K Fassbender1, O Mielke, T Bertsch
1Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Klinikum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
Objective:
To examine the intrathecal production of a newly identified cytokine, interferon-gamma-inducing factor (IL-18), together with interferon-gamma itself, in inflammatory diseases of the CNS (i.e., bacterial meningitis, viral meningoencephalitis, and MS).
Results:
IL-18 concentrations in CSF were significantly increased in bacterial meningitis and tended toward increased levels in viral meningoencephalitis. In contrast, IL-18 was detectable only in a few patients with MS and healthy controls. Interestingly, interferon-gamma was significantly increased selectively in CSF of patients with viral meningoencephalitis.
Conclusion:
The observation of an intrathecal release of IL-18 in patients with meningitis argues for a pathophysiologic role of this novel cytokine in immunity against invading microorganisms the CNS.