Recent advances in the biology of IL-1 family cytokines and their potential roles in development of sepsis

The IL-1 family comprises two anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-37, IL-38), two receptor antagonists (IL-1ra, IL-36ra), and seven ligand agonists (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-33, IL-36α, IL-36β, IL-36γ). The members of this family exert pleiotropic effects on intercellular signaling, leading to pro- or anti-inflammatory responses. They initiate potent inflammatory and immune responses by binding to specific receptors in the IL-1 receptor family, and their activities are repressed by naturally occurring inhibitors. Various immune cells produce and are regulated by these crucial molecules, which appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases including cancer as well as inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Recent decades have seen substantial progress in understanding how the IL-1 family contributes to the development of sepsis. In this review, we will briefly introduce the IL-1 family and discuss its critical role in inflammatory and immune responses. The potential significance of IL-1 members in sepsis will also be explored, together with the clinical implications for treating this dangerous condition.