Interleukin 18 (IL-18; formerly called interferon-g inducing factor) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that causes a variety of biological effects associated with infection and inflammation [1, 2]. More specifically, IL-18 induces IFN-γ production and contributes to T-helper 1 (Th1) cell polarization.
IL-18 is produced by macrophages and other cells, as a proprotein which is proteolytically processed to its active form by caspase 1, an enzyme that is activated within the inflammasome multiprotein complex. IL-18 binds to an heterodimeric receptor consisting of IL-18R and IL-18 receptor accessory protein, leading to the activation of NF-kB and AP-13.
Recombinant human IL-18 is a 157 amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 18 kDa that is produced in Escherichia coli. It is used to induce its cognate signalling pathway in HEK-Blue™ IL-18 cells.
References:
- Arend W. et al., 2008. IL-1, IL-18, and IL-33 families of cytokines. Immunol Rev. 223:20-38.
- Dinarello CA. et al., 1998. Overview of interleukin-18: more than an interferon-gamma inducing factor.J Leukoc Biol. 63(6):658-64.
- Gracie JA. et al., 2003. Interleukin-18. J Leukoc Biol.3(2):213-24.
