Interleukin-18 receptor 1 (IL18R1)

Interleukin-18 receptor 1 is a membrane-bound cytokine receptor belonging to the interleukin-1 receptor family and immunoglobulin superfamily. It specifically binds the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) and mediates IL-18 dependent immune signaling primarily in T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, activating downstream pathways such as NF-κB and JNK. The receptor forms a signaling complex with the accessory protein IL18RAP (IL-18 receptor accessory protein). Its expression can be induced by cytokines such as IFN-α and IL-12. Genetic variants and altered activity of the IL18R1 complex have been implicated in susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases, including asthma, cancer, and autoimmune disorders, with context-dependent roles in cardiovascular and inflammatory conditions. IL18R1 is also being targeted in clinical trials for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and certain cancers, making it a therapeutic target of significant clinical interest.

Other names

IL1RRPCD218aIL-18R-1IL-18R1IL-1RrpIL1R-rpIL-18R-alphaIL-18RalphaIL18RAIL18Ralpha2CDw218aIL1 receptor-related proteinInterleukin-18 receptor alphaCD218 antigen-like family member A

Inhibition of IL-18/IL18R1 interaction (by binding proteins/antibodies inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling) Agonism of IL-18/IL18R1 signaling for immune activation (used in select cancer immune-therapies) Modulation of downstream pathways: JNK, NF-κB activation