ABSTRACT
Interleukin ( IL) -38 is the most recently discovered cytokine, which is the tenth member of IL-1 cytokine family. IL-38 shares a high homology with IL-1 receptor antagonist ( IL-1 Ra) and IL-36 Ra. IL-36 R is the specific receptor of IL-38 which is the partial receptor antagonist of IL-36. Now, research has shown that IL-38 not only had relationship with intracellular infection and inflammation, but also with many clinical diseases such as autoimmune diseases, osteoarthritis, tumor and cardiopulmonary diseases. However, the molecular immune regulation mechanism of IL-38 is complicated, involving specific receptor recruitment, apoptosis mediated phagocyte regulation, regulation of Th17 cell differentiation and many other processes. It also provides several new clues to the treatment of diseases. IL-38 is a new cytokine research hot spot with extensive application prospects and need deep exploration.