Molecule4 diseases
IL-18
Key cytokine uniquely elevated in AOSD; drives MAS and IFN-γ production
- Expression change
- Markedly elevated (up to 1000-fold)
- Evidence level
- established
- Targeted by
- Tadekinig alfa (IL-18BP)
Expression across diseases
| Disease | Role | Expression | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult-Onset Still's Disease | Key cytokine uniquely elevated in AOSD; drives MAS and IFN-γ production | Markedly elevated (up to 1000-fold) | established |
| Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes | Inflammasome-derived cytokine | elevated | strong |
| Familial Mediterranean Fever | Secondary inflammasome cytokine | Elevated | moderate |
| Schnitzler Syndrome | NK cell activator | Elevated | moderate |
Role in pathogenesis
IL-18 serum levels in active AOSD can be up to 1000-fold higher than in other rheumatic diseases — the highest levels reported for any disease. IL-18 drives Th1 polarization, IFN-γ production, macrophage activation, and is closely linked to MAS development. Free IL-18 (not bound to IL-18BP) is specifically elevated in AOSD vs other inflammatory diseases. IL-18 serves as a diagnostic biomarker, disease activity marker, and potential therapeutic target.
Sources (4)
DetailsColafrancesco S et al. (2012) IL-18 Serum Level in Adult Onset Still's Disease: A Marker of Disease ActivityDOI ↗
DetailsGirard C et al. (2016) Elevated serum levels of free interleukin-18 in adult-onset Still's diseasePubMed ↗