FEATURES

FAMILY

DESCRIPTION

Also known as IL18_HUMAN, IL18, IGIF, IL1F4. 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). Forms a ternary complex with ligand-binding receptor subunit IL18R1 and signaling receptor subunit IL18RAP at the plasma membrane (PubMed:14528293, PubMed:25261253, PubMed:25500532, PubMed:37993714). Mature IL18 first binds to IL18R1 forming a low affinity binary complex, which then interacts with IL18RAP to form a high affinity ternary complex that signals inside the cell (PubMed:14528293, PubMed:25261253, PubMed:25500532). Interacts with cargo receptor TMED10; the interaction mediates the translocation from the cytoplasm into the ERGIC (endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment) and thereby secretion (PubMed:32272059).

EXTERNAL LINKS

IL18

Interleukin-18

IL18

Molecular Synopsis