The Interleukin-1 Family: A Key Regulator in the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) family members, as most potent molecules of the innate immune system, are key regulators of multiple inflammatory diseases. The family includes seven ligands with agonist activity (IL-1α and IL-1β, IL-18, IL- 33, IL-36α, IL-36β, IL-36γ), three receptor antagonists (IL-1Ra, IL-36Ra, IL- 38), and one anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-37). Most of these cytokines are abundantly expressed in skin under the regulation of IL-17 and act on innate immune cells to influence their survival and function. This review provides an overview of all the members of the IL-1 family and its potential regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.