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Published on: July 7, 2017
Interleukin-18 treatment options for inflammatory diseases
Charles A Dinarello1, Gilles Kaplanski
1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, USA. cdinare333@aol.com
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) plays a role in autoimmune diseases and other conditions. Potential therapies targeting IL-18 or its pathways may offer new treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is implicated in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.
- Elevated interferon-gamma levels are often associated with IL-18 mediated conditions.
- IL-18 also plays a role in atherosclerosis, acute renal ischemia, and hepatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of IL-18 in various diseases.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting IL-18.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and animal studies.
- Analysis of IL-18's biological activity and its relation to caspase-1.
- Identification of IL-18 inhibitors.
Main Results:
- IL-18 is a key mediator in several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
- IL-18 requires caspase-1 for its biological activity.
- Several therapeutic approaches targeting IL-18 are available or under development.
Conclusions:
- IL-18 is a significant factor in multiple disease processes.
- Targeting IL-18 or its signaling pathway presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
- IL-18 binding protein and caspase-1 inhibitors are potential safe treatment options.
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