Formerly called interferon gamma inducing factor (IGIF), IL-18 is a cytokine that plays an important role in the Th1 response, primarily by its ability to induce IFN gamma production in T cells and natural killer cells. In terms of structure, IL-18 and IL-1 beta share primary amino acid sequences of the so-called signature sequence motif and are similarly folded as all beta pleated sheet molecules. Also similar to IL-1 beta, IL- 18 is synthesized as a biologically inactive precursor molecule lacking a signal peptide which requires cleavage into an active, mature molecule by the intracellular cysteine protease called IL-1 beta-converting enzyme (ICE, caspase-1). The activity of the mature IL-18 is closely related to that of IL-1. The activity of IL-18 is via an IL-18 receptor complex. IL-18 induces gene expression and synthesis of TNF, IL-1, Fas Ligand, and several chemokines. Similar to IL-1, IL-18 participates in both innate and acquired immunity. Sample Types: cell culture, serum. Sample Size: 50 μL. Range: 39.1 - 2,500 pg/mL. Sensitivity: 23.0 pg/mL. Time: 3hr 10min
Size
96 wells
Concentration
n/a
Applications
Immunoassays. Research Use Only. Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures.