E.coli-derived rat IL18 recombinant protein (Position: H37-S194). Rat IL18 shares 64% and 91% amino acid (aa) sequence identity with human and mouse IL18, respectively.
Interleukin (IL)-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. IL18 is a recently discovered cytokine that modulates both T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 responses. IL18 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.
