Abstract

Interleukin-25 (IL-25) plays a key role in the initiation and expansion of T helper (Th) 2 cell-mediated immune responses, thereby contributing to allergic diseases and host defense against helminthic parasites. More recent studies have however shown that IL-25 can also control the function of non-T cells, such as antigen presenting cells and endothelial cells, and reduces Th1/Th17-mediated pathologies. These new and exciting observations reveal a broader role for IL-25 than previously anticipated, and delineate various scenarios where therapeutic interventions around IL-25 activity can be imagined.

Keywords: IL-25, IBD, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, allergic diseases, Th cells, noxious agents, inflammatory bowel disease, TNF-, immunoglobulin E, inflammation, monoclonal antibodies, lymphoid tissue, immunity, nuocyte, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, endotoxemia, preceding the development of overt disease, reduces the degree of CD4- and CD8-positive per-islet infi, RNA transcripts, atopic dermatitis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, gluten-sensitive enteropathy