Interleukin-35: the future of hyperimmune-related diseases?

Interleukin (IL-35) is a newly identified heterodimeric cytokine belonging to the IL-12 family. It contains Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 subunit and IL-27 p35 subunit. Although its receptor and signaling pathway are not clear, we presumed that its receptor is composed by two chains that might be similar to those receptors of IL-12, IL-23, and IL-27. We also believe that the signal transducer activator of transcription family members is involved in its signaling pathway. It was reported that IL-35 could suppress Teff cell proliferation and Th17 development. It was considered to have a potential therapeutic effect against immune diseases. In our perspective, the finding of IL-35 is of great significance, since it can regulate T cells, which is an important therapeutic target of immunological disorders. IL-35 would promote the development of different kinds of vaccines, even vaccine for special cancer, and be promising to cure autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.