Interleukin-18 receptor 1 (IL18R1) (IL18R1)

Interleukin-18 receptor 1 (IL18R1), also known as IL-18R-alpha, is a transmembrane protein belonging to the interleukin-1 receptor family and the immunoglobulin superfamily. It serves as the primary ligand-binding subunit for the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-18. Upon binding IL-18, IL18R1 recruits the accessory protein IL-18RAP to form a high-affinity signaling complex that activates downstream pathways such as MyD88, IRAK4, and NF-kappaB. This signaling is essential for the induction of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and the promotion of Th1-type immune responses, which are critical for host defense but can drive pathology when dysregulated. IL18R1 is implicated in a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and asthma, as well as in the progression of certain cancers. Therapeutic development focuses on both inhibiting the pathway to treat chronic inflammation and activating it to enhance anti-tumor immunity.

Other names

IL-18R-alphaCD218aCDw218aIL-1RrpIL1RRPInterleukin-18 receptor alphaIL18RA

Antagonism (blocking IL-18 binding to inhibit pro-inflammatory signaling) and Agonism (mimicking IL-18 to stimulate anti-tumor immune responses)