Recombinant human IL-18 protein (Qk100)£140.00 – £1,400.00View product
Recombinant human IL-18 protein (Qk100)
£140.00 – £1,400.00
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a role in both the innate immune and acquired immune responses. IL-18 stimulates T cells, NK cells and dendritic cells and can act in combination with other interleukins to stimulate interferon (IFN)γ. Recombinant IL-18 can be used to reduce proliferation and maintain pluripotency in hematopoietic stem cells. IL-18 may have potential therapeutic applications in enhancing antitumor immunity by promoting the differentiation of effector T cells.
Qkine recombinant human IL-18 is 18 kDa highly pure and bioactive protein suitable for immune cell culture and activation.Â
In stock
Orders are typically shipped same or next day (except Friday).
Easy world-wide ordering, direct or through our distributors.
£140.00 – £1,400.00
1000µg will be despatched as 2 x 500µg
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Buy online with secure credit card or purchase order. For any questions, please email orders@qkine.com
Summary:
- High purity human protein (Uniprot: Q14116)
- 18 kDa (monomer)
>98%, by SDS-PAGE quantitative densitometry
Expressed in E. coli
Animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier protein-free
Manufactured in our Cambridge, UK laboratories
Lyophilized from PBS and TCEP
- Resuspend in sterile-filtered water at >50 µg/ml, add carrier protein if desired, prepare single use aliquots and store frozen at -20 °C (short-term) or -80 °C (long-term).
Featured applications:
Drug discovery in inflammation
Development and formation of NK cells
Stimulation of activated T cell proliferation
Hematopoietic stem cell regulation
Autoimmune disease research
Cancer immunotherapy
Recombinant IL-18 activity was determined using the Promega serum response element luciferase reporter assay in transfected HEK293T cells, co-transfected with IL-18Ra. Cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of IL-18 for 6 hours. Firefly activity was measured and normalized to the control Renilla luciferase activity. Data from Qk100 lot #204753. EC50 = 4.55 ng/ml (0.25 nM).
Recombinant IL-18 migrates as a monomer at approximately 18 kDa in reduced (R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions. No contaminating protein bands are present. The purified recombinant protein (3 µg) was resolved using 15% w/v SDS-PAGE in reduced (+β-mercaptoethanol, R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions and stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250. Data from Qk100 lot #204753.
Further quality assays
Mass spectrometry: single species with expected mass
Recovery from stock vial:Â >95%
Endotoxin: <0.005 EU/μg protein (below level of detection)
We are a company founded and run by scientists to provide a service and support innovation in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. All our products are exceptionally high purity, with complete characterisation and bioactivity analysis on every lot.
Qkine IL-18 was as bioactive as IL-18 from an alternative supplier. Recombinant IL-18 activity was determined using the Promega serum response element luciferase reporter assay in transfected HEK293T cells, co-transfected with IL-18R alpha. Cells were treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of Qkine IL-18 (Qk100, green) or alternative supplier IL-18 (Supplier A, black) for 6 hours. Firefly activity was measured and normalized to the control Renilla luciferase activity. Data from Qk100 lot #204753.
Protein background
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine belonging to the IL-1 family, produced by macrophages and dendritic cells. It plays a central role in both innate and adaptive immunity, particularly in antiviral defense. IL-18 stimulations interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production by natural killer (NK) cells and CD4+ T-cells, which enhances immune responses against intracellular pathogens such as viruses and bacteria [1].
IL-18 is synthesized as an inactive precursor and activated by caspase-1 cleavage. The mature protein, approximately 18 kDa in size, has a β-trefoil fold and interacts with its receptor (IL-18R) to trigger immune signaling pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK [1].
IL-18 works with IL-12 to promote the differentiation of Th1 cells, contributing to a robust cell-mediated immune response. It also induces the production of other inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, and promotes the migration of immune cells to sites of infection or injury by increasing the expression of adhesion molecules. IL-18 plays a role in autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, where excessive IL-18 activity contributes to inflammation and tissue damage. Recent research has suggested that IL-18 also has metabolic functions, influencing insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. Deficiency in IL-18 is linked to a higher risk of metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes [2,3].
IL-18 is a target for therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases, where blocking its activity may reduce inflammation. In cancer immunotherapy, IL-18’s role in stimulating NK cell and T-cell responses is being explored to enhance the immune system’s ability to target tumors. Additionally, it is being studied as an adjuvant in vaccines and potential treatments for viral infections like HIV and hepatitis C, due to its ability to amplify immune responses [4].
IL-18 has been shown to induce quiescence in hematopoietic stem cells, reducing proliferation and maintaining pluripotency [5,6]. In allogeneic stem cell transplantation IL-18 modulation or pre-conditioning may improve transplantation outcomes [6].
Additional resources
FAQ
What is IL-18?
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that activates immune cells, particularly NK and T-cells, enhancing immune responses against infections and playing a role in inflammation regulation. Â
Where is IL-18 found?
IL-18 is primarily found in immune cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, and is also produced in various tissues, including the spleen, liver, and intestines, during inflammation.
Is IL-18 a cytokine?
Yes, IL-18 is a cytokine, specifically a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in immune responses by activating T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells.
What does the IL-18 gene do?
The IL-18 gene encodes the interleukin-18 protein.
What does IL-18 bind to?
IL-18 binds to the IL-18 receptor (IL-18R), which consists of two subunits: IL-18Rα and IL-18Rβ.Â
What is the IL-18 pathway?
When IL-18 binds to its receptor, MyD88 is activated along with and downstream signaling. This leads to MAPK and NF-κB activation, promoting cytokine production, enhancing inflammation, and stimulating T-cell and NK cell responses.
How is IL-18 used in cell culture?
IL-18 is used in cell culture to stimulate immune cells, enhancing T-cell and NK cell activation. It facilitates immune response studies, vaccine development, cancer research, and inflammation models, allowing researchers to investigate immune modulation and disease mechanisms. Â
Our products are for research use only and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Products are not for resale.
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