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IL-18 in inflammatory and autoimmune disease
Saikiran K Sedimbi1, Thomas Hägglöf, Mikael C I Karlsson
1Department of Medicine-Solna, Translational Immunology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, L2:04, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden, Saikiran.Sedimbi@ki.se.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Inflammasomes, key regulators of inflammation, activate caspase-1 to release IL-18. This review highlights Interleukin-18
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Inflammation is a critical host defense mechanism involving innate and adaptive immunity.
- The discovery of inflammasomes, particularly Nod-like receptors, revealed key regulators of inflammatory signaling.
- Inflammasomes activate caspase-1, which processes pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1 and IL-18.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significant role of Interleukin-18 (IL-18) in orchestrating inflammatory responses.
- To emphasize the specific involvement of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on inflammasome biology and cytokine signaling.
- Analysis of studies investigating IL-18's function in innate and adaptive immunity.
- Examination of research linking IL-18 to autoimmune conditions.
Main Results:
- The inflammasome complex is crucial for the maturation and release of IL-18.
- IL-18 plays a multifaceted role in modulating immune cell activity during inflammation.
- Elevated IL-18 levels are implicated in the progression and severity of various autoimmune diseases.
Conclusions:
- IL-18 is a critical effector cytokine regulated by inflammasome activation.
- Targeting IL-18 represents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing autoimmune diseases.
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