title: Roles of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of SLE.
abstract: SLE is an autoimmune inflammatory disease in which various pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including TGF-β, IL-10, BAFF, IL-6, IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-23, play crucial pathogenic roles. Virtually, all these cytokines can be generated by both innate and adaptive immune cells and exert different effects depending on specific local microenvironment. They can also interact with each other, forming a complex network to maintain delicate immune homeostasis. In this paper, we elaborate on the abnormal secretion and functions of these cytokines in SLE, analyze their potential pathogenic roles, and probe into the possibility of them being utilized as targets for therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
authors.forename: Ding-Lei
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Zhi-Min
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Min-Ning
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Xia
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Ling-Yun
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Sun
mesh_terms: D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines