IL18 Antibody
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immune responses. It was originally identified as an interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) inducing factor and is produced by various cell types, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and epithelial cells . IL-18 is involved in the regulation of immune responses, inflammation, and tissue repair.
IL-18 is synthesized as an inactive precursor and requires cleavage by the enzyme caspase-1 to become biologically active. The mature form of IL-18 binds to its receptor, IL-18R, which consists of two subunits: IL-18Rα and IL-18Rβ. This binding triggers a signaling cascade that leads to the production of IFN-γ and other proinflammatory cytokines .
IL-18 plays a significant role in the host defense against infections, particularly viral and intracellular bacterial infections. It enhances the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells and T cells, promoting the production of IFN-γ, which is essential for the activation of macrophages and the clearance of pathogens .
Mouse anti-human IL-18 antibodies are monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies developed in mice to specifically target and bind to human IL-18. These antibodies are widely used in research and clinical applications to study the role of IL-18 in various diseases and to develop potential therapeutic strategies.
Mouse anti-human IL-18 antibodies are utilized in several scientific applications, including:
- Western Blotting (WB): To detect and quantify IL-18 protein levels in various samples.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC): To visualize the distribution and localization of IL-18 in tissue sections.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): To measure IL-18 concentrations in biological fluids.
- Immunocytochemistry (ICC): To study the expression of IL-18 in cultured cells.
- Immunoprecipitation (IP): To isolate and study IL-18 protein complexes .
Research on IL-18 and its antibodies has provided valuable insights into the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. Additionally, IL-18 has been implicated in the progression of certain cancers and viral infections .
The therapeutic potential of targeting IL-18 has been explored in several studies. Neutralizing IL-18 activity using specific antibodies or IL-18 binding proteins (IL-18BP) has shown promise in reducing inflammation and disease severity in preclinical models . These findings suggest that IL-18 could be a potential therapeutic target for treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases .
In conclusion, IL-18 is a critical cytokine involved in immune regulation and inflammation. Mouse anti-human IL-18 antibodies are valuable tools in research and have potential therapeutic applications in treating various diseases.
