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Interleukin-18, more than a Th1 cytokine
Daniela Novick1, Soohyun Kim2, Gilles Kaplanski3
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
Seminars in Immunology
|November 27, 2013
Summary
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a key cytokine in immune responses, but its dysregulation contributes to various diseases. Therapies targeting IL-18 or its binding protein (IL-18BP) are under investigation for inflammatory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cytokine Biology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a crucial cytokine for Th1 immune responses, primarily inducing interferon-gamma (IFNγ) production.
- IL-18 also exhibits pro-inflammatory effects independent of IFNγ, particularly when IL-12 is absent.
- The activity of IL-18 is regulated by the naturally occurring IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), and imbalances in this system are linked to disease severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted roles of IL-18 in various disease models.
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting the IL-18/IL-18BP axis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized IL-18BP, IL-18 deficient mice, and IL-18 receptor alpha chain deficient models.
- Employed neutralization strategies against IL-18 in preclinical studies.
- Reviewed clinical trial data for IL-18BP and anti-IL-18 antibodies.
Main Results:
- IL-18 has been implicated in autoimmune diseases, metabolic syndromes, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, and acute kidney injury.
- Paradoxically, IL-18 demonstrated protective effects in some disease models.
- Elevated free IL-18 levels, due to IL-18BP imbalance, correlate with increased disease severity.
Conclusions:
- The IL-18 pathway plays a significant role in diverse inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
- Targeting IL-18 or IL-18BP presents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing inflammatory diseases.
- IL-18BP has demonstrated safety in human use, and clinical trials for IL-18 targeting therapies are ongoing.
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