The IL-1 cytokine family as custodians of barrier immunity.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of mechanisms without systematic search methodology or original human data
PubMed 35462264 · doi:10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155890
What was done
This is a narrative review describing the physiological roles, regulatory pathways (such as decoy receptors and protease degradation), and pathological contributions of interleukin-1 (IL-1) family cytokines and receptors across major barrier tissues: the lung, gut, and skin. The review focuses on homeostatic maintenance and involvement in diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data or specific numerical findings. Qualitatively, it states that IL-1 cytokines are expressed by structural and immune cells at barrier sites, where they regulate innate and adaptive responses to pathogens and maintain tissue integrity. It also highlights that failure of local regulatory controls leads to persistent inflammation and disease pathology across mucosal and cutaneous surfaces.
Why it matters
This review outlines the shared and tissue-specific roles of IL-1 signaling across barrier surfaces, framing these cytokines as both homeostatic regulators and therapeutic targets in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks a systematic search protocol, risk-of-bias assessment, or quantitative synthesis. No primary human or experimental data are presented in the abstract, preventing independent evaluation of effect sizes or clinical efficacy.
Cited by
- supports The innate immune system is predominantly concentrated at mucosal barrier surfaces, including the gut mucosa, lung epithelium, and nasal passages.