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Review
. 2003 Aug;61(8):1416-21.

[IL-18 in multiple sclerosis]

[Article in Japanese]
Hikoaki Fukaura  1 , Seiji Kikuchi
Affiliations
  • PMID: 12962032
Review

[IL-18 in multiple sclerosis]

[Article in Japanese]
Hikoaki Fukaura et al. Nihon Rinsho. 2003 Aug.

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.

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