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Overview of interleukin-18: more than an interferon-gamma inducing factor.
- Source :
-
Journal of leukocyte biology [J Leukoc Biol] 1998 Jun; Vol. 63 (6), pp. 658-64. - Publication Year :
- 1998
-
Abstract
- Initially described in 1989 as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) inducing factor (IGIF), interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a novel pro-inflammatory cytokine that is clearly more than an inducer of IFN-gamma. The cytokine possesses several biological properties such as activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), Fas ligand expression, the induction of both CC and CXC chemokines, and increased production of competent human immunodeficiency virus. Most activities are due to a receptor complex that recruits the IL-1 receptor-activating kinase (IRAK), leading to translocation of NF-kappaB. This property and others support the concept that IL-18 is related to the IL-1 family. Indeed, one of the IL-18 receptor chains is the IL-1 receptor-related protein, a member of the IL-1R family. In addition, IL-18 is structurally similar to IL-1beta and like IL-1beta is first synthesized as a leaderless precursor requiring the IL-1beta converting enzyme for cleavage into an active molecule. The biology of IL-18 is reviewed in the overview and the implication for a role for this cytokine in disease is presented.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0741-5400
- Volume :
- 63
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of leukocyte biology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 9620656