Interleukin-18 / IL-18 (swine) ELISA

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. Synonyms: Interleukin-18, Interferon-gamma-inducing factor