This volume focuses on various aspects of interleukin-27 (IL-27) especially its potential for
clinical applications. The authors discuss the downstream signaling from the IL-27 receptor and
its molecular targets in immune cells including Th1 Th2 Th17 Treg Tr1 Tfh B cells DCs
and macrophages. The inhibition of Th17 cells by IL-27 is vital for the maintenance of the
feto-maternal tolerance and the prevention of lupus multiple sclerosis autoimmune uveitis
immune thrombocytopenia and atherosclerosis. However the same inhibitory capabilities
compromise the immune response to bacterial pathogens and IL-27 is a pathogenic factor in
sepsis and tuberculosis. Also covered are the conflicting reports on the role of IL-27 in
rheumatoid arthritis the effect of IL-27 on epithelia which seems to play a role in asthma
psoriasis and inflammatory bowel diseases and the direct cytotoxic and anti-vascular effects
of IL-27 which make it a promising agent for the treatment of cancer. Accordingly this volume
will be of interest to researchers and clinicians alike.
