Interleukins in Periodontics

Abstract

Key modulators of inflammation are interleukins (ILs). There is a complex network of interactions in acute and chronic inflammation which is modulated by ILs. Mechanistic explanations for positive and negative interactions between individual ILs will also depend on new insights into the signal transduction pathways for each IL. ILs are the cytokines that act specifically as mediators between leukocytes. Approximately more than 35 ILs have been described, each having unique biological activity and role in periodontal health or disease. It seems quite likely that the lymphocyte may behave in a manner similar as a neuron that receives information from several other neurons and integrates the positive and negative signals and then corresponds accordingly by initiating or refraining from initiating action potential. Like a neuron, the response of the lymphocyte will depend both on the positive and negative signals and also on the nature of their individual signal transduction pathways.