The role of interleukin-36 in inflammatory skin diseases

Interleukin (IL)-36 cytokines are new members of the IL-1 family, that include proinflammatory factors, IL-36?, IL-36? and IL-36?, and a natural receptor antagonist IL-36Ra. IL-36 cytokines are expressed in a specific manner by monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), T cells subsets, keratinocytes, Langerhans cells, and mucosal epithelium. Since IL-36 cytokines are predominantly expressed in keratinocytes it is not surprising that specifically skin disorders have been explored for associations with these cytokines. Several reports have found that IL-36? and IL-36? are up-regulated in psoriatic and allergic contact dermatitis skin. Over recent years much has been learned on their important functions in the regulation of immune response and, especially, on their involvement in many inflammatory conditions. In this study, we wanted to elucidate the role of these mediators in the pathogenesis of most common inflammatory skin diseases such as, psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis and polymorphic light eruption.