Interferon-γ–inducing factor (IL-18) and interferon-γ in inflammatory CNS diseases
K Fassbender, O Mielke, T Bertsch, F Muehlhauser… - Neurology, 1999 - AAN Enterprises
K Fassbender, O Mielke, T Bertsch, F Muehlhauser, M Hennerici, M Kurimoto, S Rossol
Neurology, 1999•AAN EnterprisesObjective: To examine the intrathecal production of a newly identified cytokine, interferon-γ–
inducing factor (IL-18), together with interferon-γ itself, in inflammatory diseases of the CNS
(ie, bacterial meningitis, viral meningoencephalitis, and MS). Results: IL-18 concentrations
in CSF were significantly increased in bacterial meningitis and tended toward increased
levels in viral meningoencephalitis. In contrast, IL-18 was detectable only in a few patients
with MS and healthy controls. Interestingly, interferon-γ was significantly increased …
inducing factor (IL-18), together with interferon-γ itself, in inflammatory diseases of the CNS
(ie, bacterial meningitis, viral meningoencephalitis, and MS). Results: IL-18 concentrations
in CSF were significantly increased in bacterial meningitis and tended toward increased
levels in viral meningoencephalitis. In contrast, IL-18 was detectable only in a few patients
with MS and healthy controls. Interestingly, interferon-γ was significantly increased …
Objective: To examine the intrathecal production of a newly identified cytokine, interferon-γ–inducing factor (IL-18), together with interferon-γ itself, in inflammatory diseases of the CNS (i.e., bacterial meningitis, viral meningoencephalitis, and MS).
Results: IL-18 concentrations in CSF were significantly increased in bacterial meningitis and tended toward increased levels in viral meningoencephalitis. In contrast, IL-18 was detectable only in a few patients with MS and healthy controls. Interestingly, interferon-γ was significantly increased selectively in CSF of patients with viral meningoencephalitis.
Conclusion: The observation of an intrathecal release of IL-18 in patients with meningitis argues for a pathophysiologic role of this novel cytokine in immunity against invading microorganisms the CNS.
American Academy of Neurology