The Roles of Interleukin-18 in Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease - PubMed
6 hours ago
- #Cytokine
- #Autoimmunity
- #Inflammation
- Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a member of the IL-1 cytokine family with significant homology to IL-1β.
- IL-18 acts as a pivotal molecular bridge connecting innate and adaptive immunity.
- IL-18 activity is regulated by IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), which neutralizes IL-18 under physiological conditions.
- Dysregulation in the IL-18/IL-18BP axis leads to excessive IL-18 bioactivity, driving tissue inflammation and autoimmune pathogenesis.
- IL-18 plays expanding roles in the development of various autoimmune diseases.
- The molecular mechanisms of IL-18 in organ-specific pathology highlight its diverse effector functions across autoimmune conditions.
- Emerging therapeutic approaches targeting the IL-18 pathway are being evaluated for clinical potential and challenges.