interleukin-37

Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine belonging to the IL-1 family that acts as a natural suppressor of innate and adaptive immunity. Unlike most IL-1 family members, IL-37 functions to dampen inflammatory responses by translocating to the nucleus to inhibit the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes and by signaling through a cell-surface receptor complex. Specifically, IL-37 binds to the interleukin-18 receptor alpha (IL-1R5) and recruits the single Ig IL-1-related receptor (IL-1R8/SIGIRR) to initiate an inhibitory signaling cascade. This mechanism suppresses the production of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. IL-37 is being investigated for its potential to restore immune homeostasis in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where it has been shown to stabilize regulatory T-cells (Tregs) and preserve FOXP3 expression.

Other names

IL-1 family member 7IL1 family member 7IL 1 family member 7FIL1 zetaFIL-1 zetaFIL 1 zeta