Recombinant Human IL-18 (Active) protein

Specifications

Form

Lyophilized

General info

Function

Pro-inflammatory cytokine primarily involved in epithelial barrier repair, polarized T-helper 1 (Th1) cell and natural killer (NK) cell immune responses (PubMed : 10653850). Upon binding to IL18R1 and IL18RAP, forms a signaling ternary complex which activates NF-kappa-B, triggering synthesis of inflammatory mediators (PubMed : 14528293, PubMed : 25500532, PubMed : 37993714). Synergizes with IL12/interleukin-12 to induce IFNG synthesis from T-helper 1 (Th1) cells and natural killer (NK) cells (PubMed : 10653850). Involved in transduction of inflammation downstream of pyroptosis : its mature form is specifically released in the extracellular milieu by passing through the gasdermin-D (GSDMD) pore (PubMed : 33883744).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the IL-1 family.

Post-translational modifications

The pro-IL-18 precursor is processed by CASP1, CASP4 or CASP5 to yield its mature, active form (PubMed:15326478, PubMed:25261253, PubMed:37993712, PubMed:37993714, PubMed:9334240). The pro-IL-18 precursor features autoinhibitory interactions between the propeptide and the post-cleavage-site region, preventing recognition by the IL18R1 receptor (PubMed:37993714). Processing by CASP1, CASP4 or CASP5 induces conformational changes to generate critical receptor-binding sites (PubMed:37993714). The mature form is then secreted and released in the extracellular milieu by passing through the gasdermin-D (GSDMD) pore (PubMed:33883744, PubMed:37993714). In contrast, cleavage by CASP3 inactivates IL18 (PubMed:37993714, PubMed:9334240).