Journal of Neuroinflammation (Jan 2010)

Interleukin 18 in the CNS

  • Sugama Shuei,
  • Cervia Davide,
  • Alboni Silvia,
  • Conti Bruno

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-2094-7-9
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 1
p. 9

Abstract

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Abstract Interleukin (IL)-18 is a cytokine isolated as an important modulator of immune responses and subsequently shown to be pleiotropic. IL-18 and its receptors are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) where they participate in neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative processes but also influence homeostasis and behavior. Work on IL-18 null mice, the localization of the IL-18 receptor complex in neurons and the neuronal expression of decoy isoforms of the receptor subunits are beginning to reveal the complexity and the significance of the IL-18 system in the CNS. This review summarizes current knowledge on the central role of IL-18 in health and disease.