IL-38: A New Player in Inflammatory Autoimmune Disorders

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cytokine Biology
• Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Interleukin-38 (IL-38) is a novel cytokine in the IL-1 family.
• IL-38 is expressed in various tissues and by multiple cell types.
• It exerts anti-inflammatory effects by binding to receptors like IL-36R, IL-1RAPL1, and IL-1R1.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the expression, regulation, and biological functions of IL-38.
• To explore the role of IL-38 in inflammatory autoimmune disorders.
• To assess the therapeutic potential of IL-38 in these conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on IL-38.
• Analysis of IL-38's interaction with immune cells (T cells, PBMCs, macrophages, dendritic cells).
• Examination of IL-38's involvement in autoimmune disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• IL-38 regulates T helper (Th1, Th17) and regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation and function.
• Abnormal IL-38 expression is observed in various inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
• The IL-38/IL-36R and IL-38/IL-1RAPL1 axes demonstrate anti-inflammatory roles.

Conclusions:

• IL-38 plays a crucial anti-inflammatory role in the development and resolution of autoimmune diseases.
• Targeting the IL-38 axis presents a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammatory autoimmune conditions.