title: Interleukin-18 as a potential therapeutic target in chronic autoimmune/inflammatory conditions.
abstract: Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a recently identified immunoregulatory and inflammatory cytokine, has attracted a profound interest as a potential therapeutic target in autoimmune/inflammatory disorders. In this review the authors focus on: IL-18 biology as an important link between innate and adaptive immunity; evidence of its pro-inflammatory role in several human autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders; and data indicating that IL-18 blockade in animal models results in prevention/amelioration of the disease process and preservation of the target tissue integrity and function. Finally, the authors analyse strategies presently under development to block IL-18 function and potential pitfalls resulting from IL-18 blockade that should be considered in ongoing/future clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Kings College London, Rheumatology Department, Guy's Hospital, St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RT, UK. michele.bombardieri@kcl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bombardieri
authors.forename: Iain B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: McInnes
authors.forename: Costantino
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pitzalis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007249:Inflammation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D020382:Interleukin-18