Lymph node IL-18 expression in adult-onset Still's disease

IL-18 is a pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine that has been described and implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory diseases.1–4 Studies in murine models of arthritis and clinical studies suggest that dendritic cells, macrophages and synoviocites within the synovial membrane can produce IL-18.1 5–7 IL-18 expression has in turn been implicated in the reciprocal regulation of other pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor alpha.8 Recent data clearly demonstrated that IL-18 serum levels were significantly elevated in adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) and correlated with disease activity and serum ferritin levels.2–4 AOSD is characterised by substantial and dysregulated …