Neuroproteção mediada por IL-11: um potencial alvo terapêutico para doenças associadas ao envelhecimento

Abstract

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a cytokine capable of exerting diverse functions in the human body through the activation of intracellular signaling pathways. Its effects are dependent on the cell type and the physiological state of the organism. Traditionally recognized for its roles in hematopoiesis and fibrogenesis, IL-11 has recently gained attention for its involvement in neurological processes. Notably, it appears to modulate inflammation and cellular senescence in the central nervous system (CNS), although the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study aims to review the role of IL-11 as a neuroprotective and immunomodulatory agent in aging-related diseases, with an emphasis on its intracellular signaling pathways and therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative conditions associated with senescence. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed and SciELO databases, applying the descriptors “IL-11” and “interleukin 11” (connected by the Boolean operator “OR”) in combination with the terms “aging” or “central nervous system” (linked by “AND”). Original, full-text articles published in English over the past ten years were included. Experimental studies have demonstrated that IL-11 exerts biphasic effects within the CNS: it may promote neuroprotection, stimulate myelination, and modulate inflammation in acute conditions, while contributing to demyelination, inflammatory cell migration, and tumor-associated immunosuppression in chronic settings. This functional duality, observed in models of autoimmune encephalomyelitis, Alzheimer’s disease, and glioblastoma, underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the contextual mechanisms that regulate its activity. In conclusion, IL-11 represents a promising therapeutic target for pharmacological interventions in the context of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Its proper modulation may support the development of new strategies for treating age-related neurodegenerative disorders. However, further studies are required to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and validate its clinical applicability.