Description
Protocol
Available protocols: ELISA+
Specificity / Sensitivity
The PathScan
Species Reactivity: Human
Background
Interleukin-18 (IL-18), originally known as interferon-gamma inducing factor (IGIF), is part of the IL-superfamily of cytokines (1,2). This proinflammatory cytokine is synthesized as an inactive precursor which requires cleavage by Caspase-1 to become an active, mature molecule, which is secreted by monocytes and macrophages (3,4,6). It induces IFNγ production in T-helper-1 (Th1) cells and natural killer (NK) cells, and can regulate innate immunity via both Th1 and Th2 responses (4,5). Elevated IL-18 levels are associated with autoimmune disease, but may be balanced by binding to IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), which along with IL-18 neutralizing antibodies, are being examined in clinical trials (6,7).
Alternate Names
Iboctadekin; IFN-gamma-inducing factor; IGIF; IL 18; IL-1 gamma; IL-18; IL-1g; IL18; IL1F4; Interferon gamma-inducing factor; interleukin 18; interleukin 18 (interferon-gamma-inducing factor); Interleukin-1 gamma; Interleukin-18; MGC12320
