Interleukin 16

Interleukin 16 is a cytokine released by a variety of cells including lymphocytes and epithelial cells expressing the cell surface molecule CD4.

Function

It recruits and activates other cells expressing CD4, including lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils.

ME/CFS

Landi et al. (2016) found IL-16 to be significantly reduced (downregulated) in long term CFS patients. It is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and the reduction shown may indicate immunodeficiency.
In mice studies low IL-16 is correlated with impaired development of B cells. Most studies into human disease seem to show increases in IL-16 not a decrease (asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, MS). The other condition which shows a decrease is HIV and IL-16 may repress HIV-1 replication (Indinavir used in HIV patients increases circulating IL-16). IL-16 has a developmental role in the human immune system. It is also related to neuronal development and may account for brain fog symptoms.

Notable studies

• 2016, Reductions in circulating levels of IL-16, IL-7 and VEGF-A in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - (Full text)

See also

• Cytokine

See myalgic encephalomyelitis.

See chronic fatigue syndrome.

cytokine any class of immunoregulatory proteins secreted by cells, especially immune cells. Cytokines are small proteins important in cell signaling that modulate the immune system. (Learn more: me-pedia.org)