IL-36

IL-36 consists of three subforms (IL-36α, IL-36β, IL-36γ), and belongs to IL-1 superfamily. IL-36 is normally expressed at low levels. Upon stimulation, they are inducted and act on a variety of cells including epithelial and immune cells. IL-36 mediates inflammatory response, but the activation requires N-terminal cleavage by neutrophil granule-derived proteases, such as cathepsin G, elastase and proteinase-3[1].
IL-36 alpha binds to IL-36R and activates NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, thereby mediating inflammatory response[1]. IL-36 alpha is expressed in monocytes, T/B-lymphocytes, spleen, bone-marrow tonsils, lymph nodes and skin[2]. L-36 beta or IL-36 gamma binds to IL-36R and recruits the co-receptor IL-1RAcP, So that heterodimeric signaling complex brings Toll/IL-1R (TIR) domains of the 2 receptor chains in close proximity, and thereby activating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways[3]. IL-36 beta is expressed in monocytes, T/B-lymphocytes, bone-marrow, tonsils, heart, lung, testis, colon, neuron cells, glial cells[2]. IL-36 gamma is expressed in peripheral blood lymphocytes, keratinocytes, bronchial epithelial cells and THP-1 cells[2].