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Interleukin-19: multiple roles in immune regulation and disease
1Genetic Immunology Laboratory, HUMIGEN, The Institute for Genetic Immunology, 2439 Kuser Road, Hamilton, NJ 08690-3303, USA. G.Gallagher@humigen.org
Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews
|October 5, 2010
Summary
Interleukin-19 (IL-19) function is still unclear, but evidence suggests it promotes Th2 responses and plays a role in asthma and other inflammatory conditions like psoriasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cytokine Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Interleukin-19 (IL-19), first identified in 1999, is part of the IL-10 family but its precise functions remain largely undefined.
- Despite extensive research, including genome scans and candidate gene studies, a clear understanding of IL-19's biological role is lacking.
- IL-19 has been investigated in the context of various human diseases and their animal models, highlighting its potential significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on the enigmatic cytokine Interleukin-19 (IL-19).
- To explore the emerging evidence linking IL-19 to Th2 promotion and its role in asthma.
- To review the potential involvement of IL-19 in psoriasis and other chronic inflammatory disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing disparate research findings on IL-19.
- Analysis of studies implicating IL-19 in Th2 immune responses.
- Examination of evidence for IL-19's role in specific clinical conditions such as asthma and psoriasis.
Main Results:
- A pattern suggesting IL-19 promotes Th2 responses is emerging.
- Growing evidence supports a role for IL-19 in the pathogenesis of asthma.
- IL-19 is also implicated as a subtle immunomodulator in psoriasis and general chronic inflammatory disorders.
Conclusions:
- IL-19's function remains incompletely defined, necessitating further investigation.
- Key unanswered questions concern IL-19's receptor, its effects on leukocytes, and differentiation from related cytokines like IL-20 and IL-24.
- Understanding IL-19's role is crucial for insights into asthma, psoriasis, and other inflammatory diseases.
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