IL-18 Antibody

Interleukin-18, also called Interferon-gamma-inducing factor (IGIF), augments natural killer (NK) activity in spleen cells. The gene encodes a precursor protein of 192 amino acids and a mature protein of 157 amino acids. IL-18 is a cytokine that modulates both T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 responses. It is a potent proinflammatory cytokine with potential atherogenic properties. It is highly expressed in the atherosclerotic plaques compared with control normal arteries and is localized mainly in plaque macrophages.