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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Steven O'Reilly
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Chronic inflammation can lead to altered extracellular matrix deposition and ultimately fibrosis. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a cytokine that was found to promote IgE class switching and inhibit proinflammatory cytokines. However, it is now recognized as an important mediator in allergy and most importantly fibrosis. Indeed, animal studies with genetically deleted mice have demonstrated its critical role in fibrosis and although it shares over lapping functions with IL-4 it is the dominant cytokine in fibrosis. Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which there is chronic inflammation and fibrosis. The disease is associated with a Th2 polarization and IL-13 levels are elevated both in the blood and in the skin of patients. This review will examine the role of IL-13 in driving fibrosis with a particular emphasis on systemic sclerosis as a prototypical fibrotic disease. It will highlight recent research into the role of IL-13 and how this cytokine may be targeted in systemic sclerosis. (c) 2013 BioFactors, 39(6):593-596, 2013
Author(s): O'Reilly S
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: BioFactors
Year: 2013
Volume: 39
Issue: 6
Pages: 593-596
Print publication date: 01/11/2013
Online publication date: 25/07/2013
Acceptance date: 07/05/2013
ISSN (print): 0951-6433
ISSN (electronic): 1872-8081
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/biof.1117
DOI: 10.1002/biof.1117
