Interleukin 18 in the pathogenesis of experimental bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS)

Introduction: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), characterized by bronchiolitis obliterans, vascular remodeling and general fibrosis is a major cause of mortality after lung transplantation. Elevated levels of IFNγ-dependent chemokines are predictive factors for the development of BOS. IFNγ expression can be induced by IL18, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, secreted mainly by macrophages upon inflammasome activation. IL18 can be involved in the remodeling of airways and vessels, fibrosis and impairment of endothelial progenitor cell function. However, its potential contribution to BOS has not been yet assessed…