Role of IL-18 in Asthma

Asthma is a common heterogeneous disorder characterized by chronic airway inflammation, remolding and hyperresponsiveness. Although substantial advance has been achieved in understanding its complex pathogenesis, which involves genetic factors, environmental exposures, and immune system imbalances, the effective clinical therapeutics of asthma remains challenging. IL-18, a pleiotropic cytokine of IL-1 superfamily produced mainly by monocyte-macrophage system, is an imperative participant in the pathology of asthma through interacting with IL-18R, and is likely to be the potential targets for the diagnosis and therapeutics of asthma. In this review, we addressed briefly the phenotypes and endotypes of asthma. Then we introduced the regulation mechanisms of the IL-18 production, and summarized the roles of IL-18 in the pathogenesis of different asthma endotypes, in particular emphasizing the roles of IL-18 alone and IL-18 in synergy with other cytokines. Furthermore, we highlighted the effects of IL-18 on airway pathological characteristics and disorder severity of asthma. Finally, we discussed the future research directions and challenges based on IL-18 therapy, which is expected to provide novel ideas for the precise treatment of asthma.