IL-18

Function

A proinflammatory cytokine primarily involved in polarized T-helper 1 (Th1) cell and natural killer (NK) cell immune responses (Probable). 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). Synergizes with IL12/interleukin-12 to induce IFNG synthesis from T-helper 1 (Th1) cells and natural killer (NK) cells (Probable) (PubMed:10653850).

Post-translational modifications

The pro-IL-18 precursor is processed by CASP1 or CASP4 to yield the active form.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the IL-1 family.

Cellular localization

• Cytoplasm
• Secreted
• The secretion is dependent on protein unfolding and facilitated by the cargo receptor TMED10; it results in protein translocation from the cytoplasm into the ERGIC (endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment) followed by vesicle entry and secretion.

Alternative names

• Interleukin-18
• IL-18
• Iboctadekin
• Interferon gamma-inducing factor
• Interleukin-1 gamma
• IFN-gamma-inducing factor
• IL-1 gamma
• IGIF
• IL1F4
• IL18

Database links

• entrezGene:3606
• omim:600953
• swissprot:Q14116

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Immunology & Infectious Disease

Other research areas

• Immuno-oncology

Molecular weight

22326Da