Interleukin-18 receptor accessory protein (IL18RAP)

Interleukin-18 receptor accessory protein (IL18RAP) is an essential accessory subunit of the interleukin-18 (IL-18) receptor complex, which is part of the interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) superfamily[1][4][7]. IL18RAP does not directly bind IL-18 but forms a heterodimeric complex with IL-18 receptor alpha (IL18R1), enabling high-affinity ligand binding and promoting downstream signal transduction upon cytokine engagement[2][4][7]. This leads to the recruitment of the adaptor MyD88 and activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors such as NF-κB and kinases including JNK, ultimately influencing Th1 immune responses, NK cell function, and neutrophil activation[2][5]. IL18RAP genetic variants and expression dysregulation are associated with various inflammatory, autoimmune, infectious diseases, and a range of cancers, and it is under evaluation as a disease activity biomarker and potential immunotherapeutic target[2][5].

Other names

IL18RAPIL-18 receptor accessory proteinIL-18RAcPInterleukin-18RβIL-18R-betaIL-18RbetaIL-1R7CD218bCDw218bAcPLIL-1RAcPLInterleukin-1 receptor 7Interleukin-18 receptor betaAccessory protein-likeCD218 antigen-like family member B

Blocking antibodies may inhibit IL-18-mediated signaling by preventing complex formation or downstream activation of MyD88, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways[2].