Human Interleukin-18 Recombinant

IL-18 is synthesized as a biologically inactive precursor protein that has limited biological activity. The proform of IL18 is processed by one of the caspases, Caspase-1, to generate the 18 kDa bioactive molecule. IL-18 is produced during the acute immune response by macrophages and immature dendritic cells. Interleukin-18 is expressed by a variety of immune and non-immune cells, including monocytes and macrophages. IL-18 is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. The activities of IL-18 appear to be species-specific. An important function of IL-18 is the regulation of functionally distinct subsets of T-helper cells required for cell mediated immune responses. IL-18 functions as a growth and differentiation factor for Th1 cells. IL-18 up-regulates FAS ligand mediated cytotoxic activitiy of murine natural killer cells. IL-18 is part of a complex regulatory circuit involved in causing cell death by apoptosis.

Reconstitute at 0.1-1.0 mg/ml in distilled water. This solution can then be diluted into other buffers. To maximize product collection from vial surface, vortex briefly and then spin down to recollect the liquid.

The lyophilized protein is stable for at least 2 years from date of receipt when stored at -20°C. Upon reconstitution, store in working aliquots at +4°C for up to one month, or at -20°C for up to six months, in the presence of a carrier protein. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.