Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is an 18 kDa cytokine which is identified as a co stimulatory factor for production of interferon-g (IFN-g) in response to toxic shock. It shares functional similarities with IL-12. IL-18 is synthesized as a precursor 24 kDa molecule without a signal peptide and must be cleaved to produce an active molecule. IL-1b converting enzyme (ICE, caspase-1) cleaves pro-IL-18 at aspartic acid in the P1 position, producing the mature, bioactive peptide that is readily released from the cells. It has been reported that IL-18 is produced from dendritic cells, activated macrophages, Kupffer cells, keratinocytes, intestinal epithelial cells, osteoblasts, adrenal cortex cells and murine diencephalons.
IFN-g is produced by activated T and NK cells and plays critical roles in the defense against microbial pathogens. IFN-g activates macrophages, enhances NK activity and B cell maturation, proliferation and Ig secretion, induces MHC class I and II antigens expression, and inhibits osteoclast activation.
IL-18 acts on T helper 1-type (Th1) cells, and in combination with IL-12 strongly induces production of IFN-g by these cells. Pleiotropic effects of IL-18 have also been reported, including enhancement production of IFN-g and GM-CSF in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, production of Th1 cytokines, IL-2, GM-CSF and IFN-g in T cells, enhancement of Fas ligand expression by Th1 cells, anti-tumor effects, resistance to infection and a relationship with autoimmune diabetes.
IL-18 ELISA Kits
Human IL-18 ELISA Kit (Product Code: 7620)
Mouse IL-18 ELISA Kit (Product Code: 7625)
Recombinant IL-18
Click here to view MBL’s range of IL-18 proteins.
IL-18 Antibodies
View MBL’s range of IL-18 antibodies here.
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