Animal-Free IL-18 Protein, Mouse (His)

IL-18 Protein is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in epithelial barrier repair and the modulation of immune responses by polarizing T-helper 1 (Th1) cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Upon binding to its receptors IL18R1 and IL18RAP, IL-18 forms a signaling ternary complex that activates NF-kappa-B, leading to the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. It synergizes with IL-12/interleukin-12 to induce the synthesis of IFNG from Th1 cells and NK cells. IL-18 is also involved in transducing inflammation downstream of pyroptosis, where its mature form is specifically released into the extracellular space through the gasdermin-D (GSDMD) pore. At the plasma membrane, IL-18 forms a ternary complex with IL18R1 and IL18RAP, with IL18 first binding to IL18R1 to form a low affinity binary complex, which then interacts with IL18RAP to form a high affinity ternary complex that signals within the cell. Additionally, IL-18 interacts with the cargo receptor TMED10 to facilitate its translocation from the cytoplasm to the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) for secretion.