Shi L, Ye H, Huang J, et al. - Researchers conducted the study for assessing the association between IL-38 and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) disease activity and its role in inflammation and fibrosis in TAO. Blood samples and orbital connective tissues were obtained from TAO patients and controls. Measures Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis were conducted. Findings suggested that IL-38 plays a protective role in TAO and is linked to its pathogenesis. The findings indicate that IL-38 may be a useful marker of TAO disease activity and a potential target for TAO therapy.