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Recombinant Mouse IL-18 Protein

Cat # Size Price Quantity
67020120 μg$140
670202100 μg$550

  Bulk/Custom

Product Details

ApplicationBioassay
FormatLyophilized from sterile PBS, pH 7.4.
Expression HostE.coli
Target NameIL-18, IL18, IL1F4, Interferon-gamma-inducing factor, IGIF, IL-1g
SpeciesMouse
accession numberP70380-1
SourcesA DNA sequence encoding the mouse IL18 (P70380-1) (Asn36-Ser192) was expressed and purified.
Molecular WeightThe recombinant mouse IL18 consists of 158 amino acids and predicts a molecular mass of 18.2 KDa. It migrates as an approximately 19 KDa band in SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions.
Affinity TagNone
Purity> 90 % as determined by SDS-PAGE
Regulatory StatusRUO
Endotoxin level< 1.0 EU per μg protein
Protein ConcentrationLyophilized
Storage and HandlingSamples are stable for up to twelve months from date of receipt at -20℃ to -80℃. Store it under sterile conditions at -20℃ to -80℃. It is recommended that the protein be aliquoted for optimal storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Research AreasCytokines, Inflammation, Th1 cells, NK cells, NKT cells, Wound Healing, Autoimmunity

Background Information

Mouse IL-18 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine belonging to the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, primarily produced by macrophages, dendritic cells, and epithelial cells. It plays a central role in innate and adaptive immunity by promoting interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, particularly in natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocytes. IL-18 is synthesized as an inactive precursor (pro–IL-18) that requires cleavage by caspase-1 within the inflammasome complex to generate the biologically active mature cytokine.

Structurally, mature IL-18 adopts a β-trefoil fold characteristic of IL-1 family cytokines. It exerts its function by binding to a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of IL-18Rα (IL-1R5) and IL-18Rβ (IL-1R7). Upon ligand binding, this receptor complex recruits the adaptor protein MyD88, initiating downstream signaling cascades that activate NF-κB and MAPK pathways, leading to the expression of inflammatory cytokines and immune mediators. IL-18 activity is tightly regulated by IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), a soluble decoy that neutralizes excess cytokine.

In disease, dysregulated IL-18 production is associated with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic disorders. Elevated IL-18 levels can drive excessive inflammation and tissue damage, while insufficient activity may impair host defense against infections. In cancer, IL-18 has complex roles, contributing to both anti-tumor immunity and, in some contexts, tumor progression.

Therapeutically, IL-18 is being explored as an immunomodulatory target. Recombinant IL-18 or engineered IL-18 variants are investigated to enhance anti-tumor immunity, whereas IL-18 neutralization strategies, such as IL-18BP or antibodies, are being developed to treat inflammatory diseases.

Data Sheets

Recombinant Mouse IL-18 Protein TDS

Frequently Asked Questions

What are InnoCyto's Cytokines and Growth Factors?
These are recombinantly expressed signaling proteins, including interleukins, interferons, chemokines, and growth factors, that mediate cell communication, proliferation, differentiation, and immune activation. They are produced for use as research reagents to stimulate, modulate, or study cellular responses in vitro and in vivo.
What expression systems are these proteins produced in, and does it matter for my application?
Cytokines and growth factors may be produced in mammalian, insect, or E. coli expression systems depending on the protein, and the system affects properties like glycosylation, folding, and bioactivity. Non-glycosylated proteins from E. coli are often suitable for cell culture stimulation assays, while glycosylation-dependent proteins may require mammalian- or insect-expressed versions for full biological activity — check the product page for the expression system and recommended applications.
How is bioactivity measured and confirmed for each lot?
Bioactivity is typically confirmed using a functional cell-based assay (e.g., proliferation, differentiation, or reporter assay) relevant to the specific cytokine or growth factor, and is reported as an EC50/ED50 value or specific activity (units/mg) on the Certificate of Analysis. Always reference the lot-specific CoA rather than assuming activity is identical across lots or products.
Are these proteins carrier-free, and does that matter for my experiment?
Carrier-free formulations (without BSA or other stabilizing proteins) are available for applications where carrier protein could interfere with downstream analysis, such as certain in vivo studies or proteomic work, while carrier-containing formulations offer improved stability for routine cell culture use. Choose the format that matches your assay's sensitivity to background protein content.
Can these cytokines and growth factors be used for in vivo studies?
Mouse proteins may be used in vivo, but suitability depends on your endotoxin requirements for in vivo use. Endotoxin minimum threshholds vary by product and are indicated on the individual product page. Always confirm the endotoxin specification and formulation on the Certificate of Analysis before using a product in an in vivo setting.

Have a product or application question? Consult our FAQs or contact us.