IL-18: A Link between Innate and Adaptive Immunities
IL-18 is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine. It belongs to the IL-1 superfamily and participates in both innate and acquired immunity. IL-18 mediates host immunity by regulating IFN-γ production in synergy with IL-12. IL18 also amplifies the innate immune response by other cytokines, such as GM-CSF, TNF-α, and IL-1β.
IL-18 activates downstream signal transduction in a similar fashion as IL-1β. IL18 binds with its receptor IL-18 receptor α. Following that, an accessory protein, IL-18Rβ, is recruited to the complex, and the downstream cellular signal is initiated. IL-18 signaling is negatively regulated by the secreted antagonist receptor IL-18BP.
Recent studies have implicated IL-18 pathway in autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancers. Sino Biological has developed a panel of recombinant IL-18 and IL-18 receptor protein reagents to facilitate the study of the biology of IL-18.
