The Role of Interleukin-1 in Inflammatory and Malignant Human Skin Diseases and the Rationale for Targeting Interleukin-1 Alpha

What is it about?

The paper gives a thorough explanation of the similarities and differences between the alpha and beta isoforms of interleukin 1. Interleukin 1 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, meaning it gives orders and initiates war (inflammation). In this paper also, we shed light on the involvement of both alpha and beta interleukin 1 is several skin diseases: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, neutrophilic dermatoses and even skin cancer. This paper also gives a thorough review of current treatments and suggests interleukin 1 alpha as a potential drug target for the treatment of the discussed diseases.

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Why is it important?

Interleukin 1 alpha has not been deeply studied as much as its beta isoform. Targeting interleukin 1 beta is currently used to treat patients with certain skin diseases, but given interleukin 1 beta's systemic effects, one can oversee the adverse effects. On the other hand interleukin 1 alpha is a local cytokine that is secreted to affect cells and leukocytes in the vicinity. Given the overlapping functions between the alpha and beta interleukin 1 cytokines, we suggest that targeting the alpha isoform may be safer.