Chapter 24 - Interleukin-1 family in Behçet’s disease: Inflammatory and antiinflammatory mediators

Abstract

The IL-1 family consists of 11 cytokines, 7 ligands with agonistic activity (IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-18, IL-33, IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ) and 4 members with antagonistic activity (IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-36Ra, IL-37, and IL-38). Most members of IL-1 family cytokines are involved in innate and adaptive immunity. In addition, IL-1 cytokines contribute to uveitis and skin lesions in Behçet’s disease (BD). IL-1 family gene polymorphisms and abnormal expression of IL-1 as well as its potential role in the uveitis process have been explored in BD. IL-33 has also been discussed in recent years. IL-33 may contribute to systemic lesions, while IL-37 suppresses inflammatory cytokines. There is a lack of studies on the pathophysiological roles of IL-36 and IL-38 in BD, which might provide us with a new study area. Here, we aim to give an overview of IL-1 family cytokines and discuss their pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of BD.