| Target: |
IL-18 (Interleukin 18) |
| Protein Type: |
Recombinant |
| Protein Characteristics: |
AA 37-193 |
| Origin: |
Human |
| Source: |
E. coli |
| Specificity: |
Human IL-18 (aa 37-193). |
| Purpose: |
IL-18 (human) (rec.) |
| Characteristics: |
Protein. Human IL-18 (aa 37-193). Source: E. coli. Endotoxin content: < 0.06 EU/μg purified protein (LAL test, Lonza). Lyophilized from 0.2μm-filtered solution in 1X PBS. Purity: >98 % (SDS-PAGE). Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a costimulatory factor for production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in response to toxic shock and shares functional similarities with IL-12. IL-18 is synthesized as a precursor 24 kDa molecule without a signal peptide and must be cleaved to produce an active molecule. IL-1 converting enzyme (ICE, Caspase-1) cleaves pro-IL-18 at aspartic acid in the P1 position, producing the mature, bioactive peptide that is readily released from the cells. It is reported that IL-18 is produced from Kupffer cells, activated macrophages, keratinocytes, intestinal epithelial cells, osteoblasts, adrenal cortex cells and murine diencephalon. IFN-gamma is produced by activated T or NK cells and plays critical roles in the defense against microbiral pathogens. IFN-gamma activates macrophages and enhances NK activity and B cell maturation, proliferation and Ig secretion. IFN-gamma also induces expression of MHC class I and II antigens and inhibits osteoclast activation. IL-18 acts on T helper type-1 (Th1) T cells and in combination with IL-12 strongly induces them to produce IFN-gamma. Pleiotropic effects of IL-18 have also been reported, such as enhancement production of IFN-gamma and GM-CSF in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, production of Th1 cytokines, IL-2, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma in T cells and enhancement of Fas ligand expression by Th1 cells. |
| Purity: |
> 98% (SDS-PAGE) |
| Endotoxin Level: |
< 0.06 EU/μg purified protein |
| Format: |
Lyophilized |
| Concentration: |
Lot specific |
| Buffer: |
Lyophilized from 0.2 μm-filtered solution in 1X PBS. |
| Handling Advice: |
Avoid freeze/thaw cycles. |
| Storage: |
4°C, - 20°C |
| Storage Comment: |
Short term storage: + 4°C.
Long term storage: -20°C.
Use & Stability: stable for at least 1 year after receipt when stored at - 20°C. Working aliquots are stable for up to 3 months when stored at - 20°C. |
| Alternative Name: |
IL18 |
| Synonyms: |
Igif, Il-18, IL-18, IGIF, ChIL-18, IL-1g, IL1F4, IL18, interleukin 18, Il18, IL18. |
| Background: |
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a costimulatory factor for interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production in response to toxic shock, akin to IL-12. It's synthesized as a 24 kDa precursor lacking a signal peptide and requires cleavage by IL-1 converting enzyme (ICE, Caspase-1) at aspartic acid to become active. Produced by various cell types like Kupffer cells, activated macrophages, keratinocytes, etc., IL-18 stimulates Th1 cells to produce IFN-gamma, along with IL-12. IFN-gamma, produced by activated T or NK cells, boosts macrophages, NK activity, B cell functions, and MHC expression while inhibiting osteoclast activation. IL-18 also triggers pleiotropic effects, including enhancing IFN-gamma and GM-CSF production in PBMCs, inducing Th1 cytokines in T cells, and increasing Fas ligand expression by Th1 cells. |
| Molecular Weight: |
~18 kDa |
