Interleukin-18 (IL-18), also known as IFNgamma inducing factor, is an 18kD protein and a member of the IL-1 family. This pro-inflammatory cytokine is primarily produced by antigen-presenting cells including monocytes/macrophages, as well as in keratinocytes and mucosal cell populations. Upon binding to target cells, IL-18 can induce natural killer (NK) cell activity, proliferation of activated T lymphocytes and release of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines2,3. Moreover, this cytokine can promote Fas Ligand expression in NK cells and enhance Fas Ligand-mediated cytotoxicity of Th1 cells4. Upregulation of IL-18 has been linked to several chronic inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease and atherosclerosis5-8.
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