Interleukin (IL)-18, an IL-1 family cytokine, is a pleiotropic immune regulator. IL-18 plays a strong proinflammatory role by inducing interferon (IFN)-γ. Previous studies have implicated IL-18 in the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, it is not well understood biologic activities of IL-18 in the diverse skin diseases. Here, we have reviewed the expression and function of IL-18 in skin diseases including inflammatory diseases. This article provides an evidence-based understanding of the role of IL-18 in skin diseases and its relationship with disease activities.
Keywords: IL-18; alopecia areata; atopic dermatitis; contact dermatitis; drug eruption; fibrosis; graft-versus-host disease; lupus erythematosus; psoriasis; skin disease; skin tumor; urticaria.