IL18, Official Symbol IL18provided by HGNC Official Full Name interleukin 18provided by HGNC Primary source HGNC:HGNC:5986 See related Ensembl:ENSG00000150782 MIM:600953; AllianceGenome:HGNC:5986 Gene type protein coding RefSeq status REVIEWED Organism Homo sapiens Lineage Eukaryota; Metazoa; Chordata; Craniata; Vertebrata; Euteleostomi; Mammalia; Eutheria; Euarchontoglires; Primates; Haplorrhini; Catarrhini; Hominidae; Homo Also known as IGIF; IL-18; IL-1g; IL1F4 Summary The protein encoded by this gene is a proinflammatory cytokine of the IL-1 family that is constitutively found as a precursor within the cytoplasm of a variety of cells including macrophages and keratinocytes. The inactive IL-18 precursor is processed to its active form by caspase-1, and is capable of stimulating interferon gamma production, and of regulating both T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 responses. This cytokine has been implicated in the injury of different organs, and in potentially fatal conditions characterized by a cytokine storm. In humans, IL-18 gene is located on chromosome 11. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.[provided by RefSeq, Aug 2020] Annotation information Note: This gene has been reviewed for its involvement in coronavirus biology, and is involved in cytokine storm inflammatory response. Expression Biased expression in skin (RPKM 65.5), esophagus (RPKM 50.9) and 12 other tissues See more Orthologs mouse all