The anti-Inflammatory activity of Interleukin-37 in Behçet’s disease

Behcet's disease (BD), a systemic vasculitis disorder is associated with the Silk Road. Oral aphthous and genital ulcers, skin lesions and ocular lesions are the most common manifestations. These manifestations are frequently associated with neurological symptoms, pulmonary involvement and arthritis. The etiology remains uncertain and the most fashionable hypothesis is immunological. BD disease is thought to be caused by pathogenic helper T (Th) cells. Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells have been implicated in its pathogenesis. Recently spotlight has been drawn to novel cytokine of the IL-1 family: interleukin-37. Since its discovery, IL-37 has been studied extensively in immunological field. It has been established that IL-37 possesses anti-inflammatory property both in innate immune response as well as in acquired immune responses by suppressing pro-inflammatory molecules. This review will discuss the role of IL-37 in BD