Interleukin-18 receptor (composed of Interleukin-18 receptor alpha and Interleukin-18 receptor beta) (IL-18R (subunits: IL-18Rα, IL-18Rβ))

Interleukin-18 receptor (IL-18R) is a heterodimeric receptor comprising Interleukin-18 receptor alpha (IL-18Rα, also referred to as IL-1R7) and Interleukin-18 receptor beta (IL-18Rβ) subunits. It binds the cytokine interleukin-18, a member of the IL-1 family, which is generated in a precursor form and activated by caspase 1. Upon binding IL-18, the receptor complex triggers intracellular signaling via adaptor proteins including MyD88, leading to activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways, ultimately inducing production of pro-inflammatory mediators and IFN-γ. Dysregulation of this pathway is implicated in multiple inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases[1][3][5][7][9]. Clinical intervention can involve neutralizing IL-18 directly or inhibiting IL-18 signaling to attenuate disease activity in severe inflammatory disorders.

Other names

IL-18 receptorIL-18R complexIL-1R7 (for IL-18Rα)

Blocking IL-18 binding by neutralizing IL-18 with IL-18BP (interleukin-18 binding protein) and inhibition of NF-κB and inflammatory mediator induction.