Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay
Published on: March 1, 2011
Interleukin-18 bioactivity: a novel target for immunopharmacological anti-inflammatory intervention
Heiko Mühl1, Josef Pfeilschifter
1Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, University Hospital, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. H.Muehl@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Abstract:
Interleukin-18 is a member of the interleukin-1 family of cytokines with pro-inflammatory and tumor-suppressive properties. Its ability to potently enhance the production of interferon-gamma indicates in particular the crucial function of interleukin-18 as an immunomodulatory molecule. In fact, high levels of interleukin-18 are detected in human diseases associated with immunoactivation including viral or bacterial infections and chronic inflammation. Animal models suggest suppression of interleukin-18 bioactivity as a novel therapeutic concept specifically for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. Here we introduce into the biology of interleukin-18 and review immunopharmacological strategies that aim at reducing interleukin-18 bioactivity in human disease.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
