IL-37-a putative therapeutic agent in cardiovascular diseases.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is a unique member of the Interleukin-1 family with potent anti-inflammatory properties.
• Initially thought to inhibit IL-18-mediated inflammation, IL-37's role expanded upon discovering its binding to the IL-1R8 receptor.
• Elevated IL-37 levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation suggest a link to cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Approach:

• This review synthesizes recent research on IL-37's impact on CVD pathogenesis.
• Examines studies investigating IL-37's effects in mouse models of cardiovascular conditions.
• Focuses on both intracellular and extracellular inflammatory pathways influenced by IL-37.

Key Points:

• IL-37 demonstrates a beneficial role in experimental models of ischemia/reperfusion injury, vascular calcification, and myocardial infarction.
• The discovery of IL-37 binding to IL-1R8 has broadened the understanding of its anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
• IL-37 influences multiple inflammatory pathways relevant to cardiovascular health.

Conclusions:

• IL-37 possesses significant anti-inflammatory and protective functions relevant to cardiovascular health.
• Further investigation into IL-37's mechanisms could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for CVD.
• IL-37 represents a promising target for mitigating inflammation in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis.