Autoinflammatory disorders, pain, and neural regulation of inflammation.

Autoinflammatory disorders are disorders of the innate immune system that are distinct from autoimmune disorders. Dysregulation of the innate immune system, specifically an increase in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), gives rise to a spectrum of symptoms marked by inflammation and pain. Identification of causative gene mutations led to the discovery of the inflammasome. Many autoinflammatory disorders also have a strong pain component. The contribution of IL-1β to pain and neural involvement is underappreciated. This article provides an overview of the current autoinflammatory disorders and highlights the contribution IL-1β makes to pain in these disorders.
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