Neuronal Cell Survival The Role of Interleukins

One of the central issues in neuroscience today is the study of the mechanisms of neuronal survival. Since the discovery of nerve growth factor (almost 60 years ago), many groups have clearly demonstrated the central role of neurotrophins on the regulation of neuronal cell survival during developmental stages as well as during adult life. However, neurotrophins are not alone in regulating neuronal survival, and many groups have demonstrated the effect of different cytokines on this phenomenon. In this brief review we will address the effect of interleukins (IL), particularly IL-2, IL-6, and IL-4, on the survival of neuronal cells.