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Interleukin IL-18 (IL-18), a member of the IL-1 family, is a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine. It is known to be produced by monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, keratinocytes and the adrenal cortex in the human body. IL-18 has been shown to play a key role in mediating different inflammatory conditions. Our laboratory and others have shown that HIV infection is accompanied with increased circulating levels of IL-18 along with decreased levels of its antagonist IL-18 Binding Protein (IL-18BP). In this work we identified platelets as an important source of IL-18, and their activation in HIV infection contributes to enhanced concentrations of the cytokine. The virus also induces increased production of the cytokine from intestinal epithelial cells. Increased biological activities of the cytokine contribute towards AIDS pathogenesis by increasing intestinal permeability and causing death of intestinal cells. The cytokine may serve as a molecular target for delaying AIDS progression and reducing low-grade chronic inflammation in HIV infection.
About the author
Ossama Allam, DVM: Zagazeg University, Egypt.MSC: Paul Sabatier university, France.PhD from Montreal University, Canada. Ali Ahmed,DVM and MSC : University of Agriculture, Pakistan.PhD from Cornell University, USA. Ass.Prof., Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montreal University.
