Interleukin-36 beta (IL36B)

Interleukin-36 beta is a pro-inflammatory cytokine in the interleukin-1 family encoded by the IL36B gene, sharing structural and functional similarity with other IL-1 family members. It is produced mainly by epithelial cells, keratinocytes, and various immune cells at barrier tissues (skin, lung, intestine), where it helps regulate local and systemic inflammatory responses. Upon proteolytic activation, mature IL-36 beta binds to the IL-36 receptor (IL-36R/IL1RL2), recruiting the accessory protein IL-1RAcP, and triggers intracellular pathways (primarily NF-κB and MAPK), resulting in upregulation of cytokines, chemokines, antimicrobial peptides, and proliferative signals. Dysregulation of IL-36 beta signaling is implicated in a range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis and potentially various cancers, making it a promising therapeutic target. Currently, no drugs directly target IL36B, but modulating its pathway is a focus of ongoing research for novel anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents.

Other names

IL-36 betaIL36BInterleukin-1 family member 8 (IL1F8)Interleukin-1 eta (IL-1 eta, IL1-ETA)FIL1 eta (FILI-(ETA))IL1H2Interleukin-1 homolog 2MGC126880MGC126882Other listed synonyms above

Antagonists (e.g., IL-36 receptor antagonists) bind to IL-36 receptor (IL-36R/IL1RL2), preventing signaling and reducing pro-inflammatory effects. Biologics inhibiting IL-36 family signaling may suppress NF-κB and MAPK activation, leading to reduced cytokine and chemokine production.