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Review
. 2015 Dec 9;16(12):29357-69.
doi: 10.3390/ijms161226172.

IL-18 and Cutaneous Inflammatory Diseases

Ji Hyun Lee  1 , Dae Ho Cho  2 , Hyun Jeong Park  3
Affiliations
Review

IL-18 and Cutaneous Inflammatory Diseases

Ji Hyun Lee et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-18, an IL-1 family cytokine, is a pleiotropic immune regulator. IL-18 plays a strong proinflammatory role by inducing interferon (IFN)-γ. Previous studies have implicated IL-18 in the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, it is not well understood biologic activities of IL-18 in the diverse skin diseases. Here, we have reviewed the expression and function of IL-18 in skin diseases including inflammatory diseases. This article provides an evidence-based understanding of the role of IL-18 in skin diseases and its relationship with disease activities.

Keywords: IL-18; alopecia areata; atopic dermatitis; contact dermatitis; drug eruption; fibrosis; graft-versus-host disease; lupus erythematosus; psoriasis; skin disease; skin tumor; urticaria.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Interleukin (IL)-18 processing stimuli including pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) is detected by pattern-recognition receptors (PRPs), and induce the oligomerization of the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin domain containing protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. IL-18 is processed and activated by chymase, granzyme B, neutrophil-derived proteinase-3, as well as intracellular caspase-1. In addition, a heterodimer IL-18R is linked with NF-κB pathway. (formula image: pro IL-18, formula image: active IL-18, formula image: IL-18Rα, formula image: IL-18Rβ).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Interleukin (IL)-18 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The complex interplay of cytokines and cells is involved pathologic process in psoriasis. Keratinocyte stimulated by cathelicidin LL-37 produces IL-18. IL-18 activated Th1 cell, which produces interferon-γ (IFN-γ). IL-18 also stimulates Th17cell or γδ T cell, which secrete IL-17. In addition, dendritic cell produces IL-18 as well as IL-23.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Interleukin (IL)-18 in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Keratinocyte or mast cell plays IL-18 activation via proteolytic processing. IL-18 can induce Th2 or Th1 cytokines based on IL-12. Dendritic cell activated by allergen or thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) from keratinocyte interacts Th2 cell.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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