The protease inhibitor cystatin C downregulates the release of IL-β and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide activated monocytes
Human cystatin C, a member of the cysteine proteinaseinhibitory family, is produced by all nucleated cells and has important roles in regulating natural immunity. Nematode homologs to human cystatin C have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on monocytes and to reduce colitis in mice. In Crohn’s disease, pathogenic activated monocytes help drive inflammatory processes via the release of p