IL18 Specific Neutra™ Antibody Products

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Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the immune response. It is primarily produced by activated macrophages and dendritic cells, but can also be secreted by other cell types such as epithelial cells, mesenchymal cells, and keratinocytes. IL-18 stimulates the production of interferon-gamma and other cytokines, contributing to the regulation of immune responses. Additionally, it has been linked to autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, and host defense against infections.

Its Gene ID: 3606, UniProtKB ID: Q14116, and OMIM ID: 600953.

IL-18 Signaling

The inactive form of IL-18 is produced and stored within cells. Upon stimulation by microbial products or other cytokines, such as IL-12, IL-18 is processed and activated by caspase-1, an enzyme involved in inflammatory processes. The active IL-18 is then released into the extracellular space. IL-18 binds to its receptor complex, consisting of IL-18Rα and IL-18Rβ chains, present on various immune cells. This binding activates downstream signaling pathways, including NF-κB and MAPK, leading to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The activation of IL-18 signaling ultimately influences immune cell activation, differentiation, and cytokine production, contributing to the regulation of immune responses and inflammation.

Fig.1 Signaling pathways of IL-18. (Yasuda and Hiroko, 2019) Fig.1 IL-18 signal transduction.¹

IL-18 in Immunity, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity

In immunity, IL-18 promotes the activation of natural killer cells, enhances Th1 cell differentiation, and stimulates interferon-gamma production, contributing to host defense against infections. In inflammation, IL-18 induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, exacerbating inflammatory responses. In autoimmunity, dysregulated IL-18 signaling can lead to the breakdown of immune tolerance and the development of autoimmune diseases. Understanding the biological roles of IL-18 in these processes is essential for developing targeted therapies for immune-related disorders. Modulation of IL-18 activity through inhibitors or antagonists may offer potential treatment strategies for conditions characterized by excessive inflammation or aberrant immune responses.

Antibody Targeting IL-18

A neutralizing antibody targeting IL-18 is a therapeutic agent designed to specifically bind to IL-18 and inhibit its activity. By blocking the interaction between IL-18 and its receptors, this antibody can prevent downstream signaling pathways from being activated, thereby dampening the pro-inflammatory effects of IL-18. For instance, it can act by reducing IL-18-induced NF-κB and IFN-γ activation and IL-6 production in human cell lines. This approach offers a targeted strategy to modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation in conditions where IL-18 plays a pathogenic role, such as autoimmune diseases or inflammatory disorders.

Fig.2 IL-18 pathway inhibition by anti-IL-1R7 antibodies. (Li, et al., 2021) Fig.2 Models depicting how anti-IL-1R7 antibodies inhibit the IL-18 pathway.²

Creative Biolabs offers almost thirty high-quality recombinant anti-IL-18 antibody products to fulfill your various needs. These antibodies can be used in different research applications, including IP, FC, and others. Additionally, customization of IL-18-based neutralizing or blocking antibodies is also available for you here.

REFERENCES

Yasuda, Koubun, Kenji Nakanishi, and Hiroko Tsutsui. "Interleukin-18 in health and disease." International journal of molecular sciences 20.3 (2019): 649.
Li, Suzhao, et al. "A novel anti-human IL-1R7 antibody reduces IL-18-mediated inflammatory signaling." Journal of Biological Chemistry 296 (2021).

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