Interleukin-1 Family Cytokines and Soluble Receptors in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This study investigates the role of IL-1 family cytokines in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) by analyzing serum levels in 16 HS patients and 16 healthy controls. The findings reveal that IL-18 and free IL-18 levels are significantly higher in HS patients and correlate strongly with disease severity, as measured by the International HS Severity Score System (IHS4). Additionally, soluble inhibitors such as IL-1Ra, IL-1R2, and ST2/IL-1R4 are elevated in patients. The study suggests that IL-18 could serve as a novel serum biomarker for active HS, highlighting the involvement of IL-1F cytokines in the disease's mediation and severity.