Other Names

Human Interleukin 18 ELISA Kit

IL-18; IGIF; IL-1g; IL1F4; IL1-F4; Interferon-Gamma-Inducing Factor; Interleukin-1 Family Member 4; Iboctadekin; Interleukin-1 Gamma

Background

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is also known as interferon-gamma inducing factor and IL-1γ. It is a cytokine sharing the same biological activity as IL-12 and similar structure with IL-1 protein family. IL-18 was originally found in liver cells and has been shown to be expressed in monocytes, macrophages, osteoblasts and keratinocytes.

Caspase-1 (IL-1 β converting enzyme) is involved in the physiological processing of pro-IL-18 to IL-18. Upon binding to IL18R1 and IL18RAP, forms a signaling ternary complex which activates NF-kappa-B, triggering synthesis of inflammatory mediators. Similar to IL-12, IL-18 is able to enhance the biological activity of NK cells during PBMC cultures. It was found that human IL-18 could induce the production of IFN-γ and GM-CSF while inhibiting IL-10 production by PBMC. Under the condition of enriched human T cells, IL-18 can also enhance the production of Th1 cytokines and stimulate cell proliferation through an IL-2 dependent pathway. This cytokine has been implicated in the injury of different organs, and in potentially fatal conditions characterized by a cytokine storm.