Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2021;131(2):e144336. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI144336.
Abstract
IL-36 is a member of the IL-1 superfamily and consists of three agonists and one receptor antagonist (IL-36Ra). The three endogenous agonists, IL-36α, –β, and –γ, act primarily as proinflammatory cytokines, and their signaling through the IL-36 receptor (IL-36R) promotes immune cell infiltration and secretion of inflammatory and chemotactic molecules. However, IL-36 signaling also fosters secretion of profibrotic soluble mediators, suggesting a role in fibrotic disorders. IL-36 isoforms and IL-36 have been implicated in inflammatory diseases including psoriasis, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and allergic rhinitis. Moreover, IL-36 has been connected to fibrotic disorders affecting the kidney, lung, and intestines. This review summarizes the expression, cellular source, and function of IL-36 in inflammation and fibrosis in various organs, and proposes that IL-36 modulation may prove valuable in preventing or treating inflammatory and fibrotic diseases and may reveal a mechanistic link between inflammation and fibrosis.
Authors
Michael Elias, Shuai Zhao, Hongnga T. Le, Jie Wang, Markus F. Neurath, Clemens Neufert, Claudio Fiocchi, Florian Rieder
Gene expression by different cell types in response to IL-36 isoform stimulation
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ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)