PLoS Pathogens (Dec 2016)

IL-1β/IL-6/CRP and IL-18/ferritin: Distinct Inflammatory Programs in Infections.

  • Jeroen Slaats,
  • Jaap Ten Oever,
  • Frank L van de Veerdonk,
  • Mihai G Netea

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1005973
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 12
p. e1005973

Abstract

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The host inflammatory response against infections is characterized by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins, driving both innate and adaptive arms of the immune response. Distinct patterns of circulating cytokines and acute-phase responses have proven indispensable for guiding the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases. This review discusses the profiles of acute-phase proteins and circulating cytokines encountered in viral and bacterial infections. We also propose a model in which the inflammatory response to viral (IL-18/ferritin) and bacterial (IL-6/CRP) infections presents with specific plasma patterns of immune biomarkers.