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Interleukin-18: perspectives on the newest interleukin
1St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and The University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Vic, Australia. m.gillespie@medicine.unimelb.edu.au
Cytokine & Growth Factor Reviews
|October 1, 1998
Summary
Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a cytokine cloned two years ago, exhibits diverse biological actions beyond interferon-gamma induction. Its receptor characterization accelerates understanding of IL-18
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cytokine Research
Background:
- Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a recently cloned cytokine.
- Initially identified for inducing interferon-gamma, IL-18 has revealed broader biological functions.
- The IL-18 receptor has also been recently characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted biology of Interleukin-18 (IL-18).
- To discuss IL-18's roles in both healthy and diseased states.
- To highlight the rapid advancements in understanding IL-18 due to its cloning and receptor characterization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on IL-18 biology.
- Analysis of research on IL-18's molecular cloning and recombinant protein production.
- Examination of studies characterizing the IL-18 receptor.
Main Results:
- IL-18 possesses diverse biological activities beyond interferon-gamma production.
- The characterization of the IL-18 receptor has facilitated a deeper understanding of its functions.
- Similarities between IL-18/IL-1 and their receptors aid in rapid scientific progress.
Conclusions:
- IL-18 is a pleiotropic cytokine with significant roles in various biological contexts.
- Ongoing research, spurred by molecular cloning and receptor identification, continues to elucidate IL-18's complex functions.
- Understanding IL-18 biology is crucial for both physiological and pathological states.