Immunomodulatory role of IL-37 in asthma pathogenesis

Introduction: The recently identified cytokine IL-37 has been described as a negative regulator of innate immunity. Since the production of IL-37 is impaired in allergic asthmatics, it is likely that IL-37 is involved in asthma pathogenesis. We have previously shown that IL-37 ameliorates experimental asthma via a mechanism that requires the IL-18 recector (R) α and the single Ig IL 1 related receptor (SIGIRR). We aim to further clarify, how the anti-inflammatory effect of IL-37 on asthma pathogenesis is mediated. Methods: Experimental asthma was induced in IL-18Rβ- and IL-18 binding protein (BP)-deficient mice.…