Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
08:16
An IL-8 Transiently Transgenized Mouse Model for the In Vivo Long-term Monitoring of Inflammatory Responses
Published on: July 7, 2017
Modulation of innate immunity by IL-18
Wen Li1, Hideyuki Yamamoto, Shuji Kubo
1Hyogo College of Medicine, Laboratory of Host Defense, Institute for Medical Science, Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Japan.
Journal of Reproductive Immunology
|October 27, 2009
Summary
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) promotes the expansion of gammadelta T cells, enhancing their anti-tumor activity. This cytokine plays a key role in immune responses and cell survival.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is expressed in reproductive organs, with fluctuating levels during the menstrual cycle, implantation, pregnancy, and delivery.
- The precise roles of IL-18 in reproduction are not fully understood, and its functions in immune and inflammatory responses are complex and sometimes paradoxical.
- IL-18 is known to activate anti-apoptotic signals, promoting the survival and proliferation of lymphocytes and other stressed cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of IL-18 in the expansion and function of gammadelta T cells.
- To determine the impact of IL-18 on the phenotype and cytotoxic activity of expanded gammadelta T cells.
- To explore the potential of IL-18 in enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
Main Methods:
- Gammadelta T cells were stimulated with zoledronate and IL-2, with or without exogenous IL-18.
- Neutralizing anti-IL-18 receptor antibody was used to inhibit IL-18 signaling.
- Phenotypic analysis (CD44, CD27, CD45RA, NKG2D, perforin, CD94, CD25, CD122, CD56) and cytotoxicity assays against tumor cells were performed.
- Cytokine production (GM-CSF, IFNgamma, TNFalpha) by expanded gammadelta T cells was measured.
Main Results:
- Exogenous IL-18 significantly promoted the expansion of gammadelta T cells, an effect inhibited by anti-IL-18 receptor antibody.
- Expanded gammadelta T cells exhibited an effector memory phenotype (CD44+ CD27- CD45RA-) and expressed cytotoxic markers.
- These IL-18-expanded gammadelta T cells demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against tumor cells and inhibited tumor xenograft growth in mice.
- IL-18 induced higher production of GM-CSF, IFNgamma, and TNFalpha in expanded gammadelta T cells.
Conclusions:
- IL-18 effectively promotes the expansion of gammadelta T cells with enhanced cytotoxic potential.
- IL-18 may serve as a therapeutic agent to boost anti-tumor immunity through gammadelta T cell activation.
- Further research into IL-18's reproductive roles and its immunomodulatory functions is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:28Cells of the Innate Immune Response
The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
01:21Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity
The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It comprises two crucial components: innate and adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
02:26NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...