Preferred Label : IL18 Signaling Pathway;
NCIt related terms : IL 18 Signaling Pathway;
Alternative definition : BIOCARTA: IL-18 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine similar in structure and mechanism
of action to IL-1 beta. Formation of active IL-18 by macrophages requires cleavage
of an inactive precursor by caspase-1 protease, also termed the IL-1 converting enzyme
(ICE). One of the key biological responses induced by IL-18 is that, in combination
with IL-12, it stimulates Th1 cell differentiation and involvement in immune responses.
IL-18 was originally known as interferon-gamma-inducing factor, named after its induction
of interferon-gamma production. Up-regulation of Fas ligand in Th1 cells by IL-18
may increase apoptosis of Fas receptor expressing cells that interact with the activated
Th1 cells. This induction of apoptosis may allow IL-18 to have anti-tumor activity
and may also play a role in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. (This
definition may be outdated - see the DesignNote.);
NCIt note : The BIOCARTA Definition (ALT_DEFINITION) for this pathway concept was provided by
BioCarta. This property was not created by, nor is it maintained by the NCI Thesaurus
staff. Additionally, BioCarta is no longer updating its pathway data; thus, the BIOCARTA
Definition might be outdated or inaccurate. Please see the Terms and Conditions for
Use at http://www.biocarta.com/.;
Biocarta ID : h_il18Pathway;
Origin ID : C39119;
UMLS CUI : C1512590;
Semantic type(s)
- has_gene_product_element
- pathway_has_gene_element
