IL-18 and related function proteins associated with tuberculosis severity and screening for active TB among patients with non-mycobacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

Cell-Mediated Immune Response Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Its Potential Therapeutic Impact

Cell-mediated immune response is critical for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) control. Understanding of pathophysiology and role played by different cell mediators is essential for vaccine development and better management of patients with M.tb. A complex array of cytokines and chemokines are involved in the immune response against M.tb; however, their relative contribution in protection remains to be further explored. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current understanding regarding the cytokine and chemokine profiles in M.tb infection in order to assist research in the field to pursue new direction in prevention and control. We have also summarized recent findings on vaccine trials that have been developed and or are under trials that are targeting these molecules.

Interleukin-18 Binding Protein in Immune Regulation and Autoimmune Diseases

Natural soluble antagonist and decoy receptor on the surface of the cell membrane are evolving as crucial immune system regulators as these molecules are capable of recognizing, binding, and neutralizing (so-called inhibitors) their targeted ligands. Eventually, these soluble antagonists and decoy receptors terminate signaling by prohibiting ligands from connecting to their receptors on the surface of cell membrane. Interleukin-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) participates in regulating both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. IL-18BP is a soluble neutralizing protein belonging to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily as it harbors a single Ig domain. The Ig domain is essential for its binding to the IL-18 ligand and holds partial homology to the IL-1 receptor 2 (IL-1R2) known as a decoy receptor of IL-1α and IL-1β. IL-18BP was defined as a unique soluble IL-18BP that is distinct from IL-18Rα and IL-18Rβ chain. IL-18BP is encoded by a separated gene, contains 8 exons, and is located at chr.11 q13.4 within the human genome. In this review, we address the difference in the biological activity of IL-18BP isoforms, in the immunity balancing Th1 and Th2 immune response, its critical role in autoimmune diseases, as well as current clinical trials of recombinant IL-18BP (rIL-18BP) or equivalent.