The Effect of Interleukin 38 on Inflammation-induced Corneal Neovascularization

Background: Angiogenesis is tightly linked to inflammation. Cytokines of interleukin 1 (IL-1) family are key mediators in modulating inflammatory responses. Methods: In this study, we examined the role of IL-38, a member of the IL-1 family, in mediating inflammation-induced angiogenesis. Results: The results showed that the angiogenesis was attenuated by topical administration of IL-38 to the injured corneas in a mouse model of alkali-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV). Further study showed that the expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β was decreased in the IL-38-treated corneas. Moreover, the angiogenic activities including the proliferation, migration and tube formation of human retinal endothelial cells were reduced by IL-38 treatment in vitro. Conclusion: The data indicate that IL-38 modulates inflammation-induced angiogenesis.