The Role of Selected Interleukins in the Development and Progression of Multiple Sclerosis—A Systematic Review

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a disabling inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. Given that multiple sclerosis remains an incurable disease, the management of MS predominantly focuses on reducing relapses and decelerating the progression of both physical and cognitive decline. The continuous autoimmune process modulated by cytokines seems to be a vital contributing factor to the development and relapse of multiple sclerosis. This review sought to summarize the role of selected interleukins in the pathogenesis and advancement of MS. Patients with MS in the active disease phase seem to exhibit an increased serum level of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, IL-17, IL-21, IL-22 and IL-33 compared to healthy controls and patients in remission, while IL-10 appears to have a beneficial impact in preventing the progression of the disease. Despite being usually associated with proinflammatory activity, several studies have additionally recognized a neuroprotective role of IL-13, IL-22 and IL-33. Moreover, selected gene polymorphisms of IL-2R, IL-4, IL-6, IL-13 and IL-22 were identified as a possible risk factor related to MS development. Treatment strategies of multiple sclerosis that either target or utilize these cytokines seem rather promising, but more comprehensive research is necessary to gain a clearer understanding of how these cytokines precisely affect MS development and progression.

Genetically predicted associations between circulating cytokines and autoimmune diseases: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization

“…IL-13, as an immunoregulatory cytokine from the Th2 family, is endowed with anti-inflammatory properties, especially relevant in autoimmune and allergic environments. Yet, its precise influence on the onset and progression of MS remains elusive, being either beneficial or detrimental ( 56 ). Our findings lend genetic support to the hypothesis that MS may lower plasma concentrations of IL-13.…”

Influence of STAT4 Genetic Variants and Serum Levels on Multiple Sclerosis Occurrence in the Lithuanian Population

“…Also, serum levels of interleukin-12 2 of 18 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-13 (IL-13), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-21 (IL-21), interleukin-22 (IL-22), and interleukin-33 (IL-33) tend to be higher in MS patients in the active disease phase than in healthy controls and patients in remission, although interleukin-10 (IL-10) seems to help slow the disease's progression. Moreover, certain gene variants of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, and IL-22 have been linked to the development of MS [5].…”