title: [IL-18 in multiple sclerosis].
abstract: IL-18, previously named interferon-gamma inducing factor, is produced by monocytes/macropharges, dendritic cells, B cells and other APC cells as well as by astrocytes, microglia. IL-18 is a unique cytokine that stimulates both Th1 and Th2 responses depending on its cytokine milieu. Caspase-1 regulates the cellular export of IL-18. Anti IL-18 antibodies prevent EAE. IL-18 directs autoreactive T cells and promotes autodestruction in CNS via induction of IFN-gamma by NK cells in EAE. IL-18 is expressed in MS plaque. Common IL-18 promoter polymorphisms influence the expression on IL-18. IL-18 is linked to raised IFN-gamma in MS and is induced by activated CD4(+) T cells via CD40-CD40 ligand interaction. IL-18 in MS is suppressed by treatments such as GA and IFN-beta.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Hikoaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fukaura
authors.forename: Seiji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kikuchi
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D020170:Caspase 1 / Q000502:physiology; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000209:etiology; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000502:physiology; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010455:Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D020382:Interleukin-18; D010455:Peptides; D018664:Interleukin-12; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D016899:Interferon-beta; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D020170:Caspase 1