IL‐36 signaling pathway dysregulation in Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus patients: A potential therapeutic avenue

Abstract

AbstractCrimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe viral disease. The scientific literature is growing, emphasizing the significance of the interleukin (IL)‐36 family in the proinflammatory signaling pathway. However, to date, no research has explored the potential of IL‐36 family members as biomarkers in CCHF. This study aims to bridge this gap by evaluating IL‐36α, IL‐36β, and IL‐36γ levels in CCHF patients and healthy controls and investigating their association with disease severity and prognosis. Sixty confirmed CCHF patients and 29 healthy controls were enrolled in this case‐control study. Serum levels of IL‐36α, IL‐36β, and IL‐36γ were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Significantly higher levels of IL‐36α and IL‐36β were observed in CCHF patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant changes were found in IL‐36γ levels between the two groups. Among the CCHF patients, those who did not survive exhibited significantly elevated IL‐36α and IL‐36γ levels compared to survivors (p < 0.01). Positive correlations were identified between IL‐36α and IL‐36γ levels with activated partial thromboplastin time, and D‐dimer (p < 0.01). Conversely, platelet levels showed a negative correlation with IL‐36α and IL‐36γ levels (p < 0.01). The increased levels of IL‐36α, IL‐36β, and IL‐36γ in patients indicate their participation in proinflammatory reactions in CCHF patients. Understanding the role of IL‐36 family members in CCHF pathogenesis could offer valuable insights into disease progression and facilitate the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.