title: Immunobiology of IL-37: mechanism of action and clinical perspectives.
abstract: This article provides an overview of the biological function of a recently discovered cytokine, IL-37, formerly referred to as IL-1F7, and its role in chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease. Much has been discovered about IL-37 in the past decade, including its ability to down-regulate systemic and local inflammation by lowering levels of pro-inflammatory molecules. Here, we critically review the published reports. Future research is necessary to understand the receptor-dependent effects of IL-37, its intracellular and extracellular functions in both normal and diseased states and its potential role as a biomarker and pharmacological target in human disease.
authors.affiliation: Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA.
authors.forename: Shannon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Quirk
authors.forename: Devendra K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Agrawal
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: C508587:IL37 protein, human; D007375:Interleukin-1
keywords: IL-37; adaptive immunity; autoimmune disease; inflammation; innate immunity