IL-18: A Novel Cytokine Is Implicated in Cutaneous Lupus

Interleukin-18 influenced an elevated inflammatory response in the keratinocytes of patients with CLE.

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-18 structurally resembles IL-1. Many different cell types produce IL-18 — including macrophages, dendritic cells, and keratinocytes — and it has been implicated as a mediator of autoimmunity. Serum levels of this cytokine are higher in patients with lupus erythematosus and increase with disease activity. Investigators compared effects of the inflammatory response in the keratinocytes of healthy control subjects and of patients with chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

Compared with keratinocytes in healthy controls, keratinocytes in patients with CLE showed elevated basal levels of the IL-18 receptor. Stimulation of cells by TNF-α or IFN-γ further elevated IL-18 levels. When incubated wit…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)