Description
Interleukin-18 (IL-18), also known as the interferon-gamma inducing factor, is produced by a variety of cell types, including both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. As a member of the IL-1 superfamily, IL-18 is primarily produced by macrophages, although other cell types can produce it as well. It stimulates various cell types and exhibits pleiotropic functions. In rabbits, IL-18 is encoded by the IL18 gene. In an rabbit atherosclerosis model, IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) was found to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia in atherosclerotic plaques. This suggests that IL-18 may have a regulatory role in cardiovascular disease