AUTHOR=Dong Hongna , Hao Yuqiu , Li Wei , Yang Wei , Gao Peng TITLE=IL-36 Cytokines: Their Roles in Asthma and Potential as a Therapeutic JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2022 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.921275 DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2022.921275 ISSN=1664-3224 ABSTRACT=Interleukin (IL)-36 is a member of IL-1 superfamily, consisting of three agonists of IL-36α, IL-36β, IL-36γ and an IL-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36Ra). IL-36 is crucial for immune and inflammatory responses. The abnormal levels of IL-36 expression are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation, autoimmunity, allergy and cancer. Here, we summarize recent reports that IL-36 participates in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and the potential mechanisms underlying their roles in asthma. Abnormal levels of IL-36 are associated with the pathogenesis of different types of asthma by regulating the functions of a variety of cells. Considering the important role of IL-36 in asthma, IL-36 may become a potential therapeutic target for asthma treatment. However, the existing evidence is insufficient to fully elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying the action of IL-36 during the pathological process of asthma. The possible mechanisms and functions of IL-36 in different types of asthma need further studies.