IL-37: a new anti-inflammatory cytokine of the IL-1 family.

The IL-1 family of cytokines encompasses eleven proteins that each share a similar β-barrel structure and bind to Ig-like receptors. Some of the IL-1-like cytokines have been well characterised, and play key roles in the development and regulation of inflammation. Indeed, IL-1α (IL-1F1), IL-1β (IL-1F2), and IL-18 (IL-1F4) are well-known inflammatory cytokines active in the initiation of the inflammatory reaction and in driving Th1 and Th17 inflammatory responses.

GLI2-specific transcriptional activation of the bone morphogenetic protein/activin antagonist follistatin in human epidermal cells.

Hedgehog (HH) signaling in the epidermis is primarily mediated by the zinc finger transcription factors GLI1 and GLI2. Exquisite regulation of HH/GLI signaling is crucial for proper specification of the epidermal lineage and development of its derivatives, whereas dysregulation of HH/GLI signaling disrupts tissue homeostasis and causes basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Similarly, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and activins have been described as key signaling factors in the complex regulation of epidermal fate decisions, although their precise interplay with HH/GLI is largely elusive.