IL-18 Function

Interleukin 18 (IL-18), also known as INFγ-inducing factor, is a cytokine that plays key roles in many physiological functions including immunology and metabolic processing. It serves as a biomarker or therapeutic target for a wide array of disease indications.  This marker is important in innate and acquired immunity.  IL18 has roles in infectious diseases, inflammation, and autoimmunity.  Patients with high IL-18 levels display various allergic diseases.

IL-18 Production

IL-18 has been observed to be produced by dendritic cells, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and epithelial cells.  IL-18 facilitates Th1-type immunoreactions by acting on T cells. Stimulation of Th1 cells with IL-18 in the presence of anti-CD3 antibody triggers IL-13 production as well as IFN-γ production.  IL-18 action on basophils and mast cells results in complex physiological reactions, including allergic responses.  IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) is a serum inhibitor of IL-18 activity.  In cases where IL-18BP is greater than IL-18, IL-18 activity is suppressed.  However, when IL-18 levels are high, inflammatory reactions have been observed, making IL-18 a pro-inflammatory cytokine.

IL-18 Forms

IL-18 exists in two forms- pro IL-18 and mature IL-18.  It is first present in the pro-form 24 kd precursor and lacks the signal sequence required for secretion¹.  ICE (IL-1β Converting Enzyme) or Caspase 1 cleaves Pro-IL-18 after Asp35 activating IL-18. ² This 18 kD active form is seen in body tissues and carries out IL-18 function, playing a crucial role in the immune defenses.

Role of IL18 in diseases

IL-18 has been shown to have a rapid secretion/activation response.  Induction is observed as early as 1 hour after stimulation with anti-CD40.  Further, IL-18 is indicated in various disease conditions.  High levels of IL-18 are detected in the blood of patients with allergic diseases (bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, etc.) and also those with autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Adult Still’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.). Additionally it is found in the urine of patients with acute renal disorder³ and appears to mediate the progression of type 2 diabetes⁴.  The regulation and release of IL-18 is still under investigation. This could unlock the therapeutic potential of IL-18 as a biomarker or a drug target.

MBL International is the first supplier of antibodies and ELISA kits for IL-18, these reagents and clones have become the reliable gold standard for investigating IL-18 research world wide. Our IL-18 antibodies support WB, IP, IH, ELISA, NT applications. We provide products that are research grade as well as functional grade IL18 products for in vivo studies. Our Recombinant IL-18 for human or mouse are provided with or without BSA. If custom buffer is desired, please let us know! Bulk pricing is available for all of our IL-18 products. Contact us today!

IL18 Antibodies, ELISA kits, & Recombinant Proteins

IL-18 ELISA Kits

Product Code	PRODUCT NAME
7620	Human IL-18 ELISA Kit
7625	Mouse IL-18 ELISA Kit

Popular IL-18 Antibody Clones

CLONE	PRODUCT CODE
125-2H	D044-3, D044-3M2
25-2G	D043-3
39-3F	D046-3
74	D047-3
159-12B	D045-3, D045-6
93-10C	D048-3, D048-6
91D8	M158-3
21A12	M157-3

Functional Grade IL-18 Antibodies

Product Code	Product Name
D044-3M2	Anti-IL-18 (Human) mAb (Functional Grade)
D048-3M2	Anti-IL-18 (Mouse) mAb (Functional Grade)

IL-18 Recombinant Proteins

Product Code	Product Name
B001-5	Recombinant human IL-18
B002-5	Recombinant mouse IL-18
B003-2	Recombinant Human IL-18 (-BSA)
B003-5	Recombinant Human Il-18 (-BSA)
B004-2	Recombinant Mouse IL-18 (-BSA)
B004-5	Recombinant Mouse IL-18 (-BSA)

Data using MBL International Products

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