Indicator Explainer
Interleukin-18
Interleukin-18 (193 aa, ~22 kDa) is encoded by the human IL18 gene. This protein is involved in the regulation of both natural killer cell activity and the production of interferon gamma.
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C20520. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-20. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Interleukin-18 (C20520)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C20520. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Mesothelial cells maintain energy homeostasis in adipose tissue through the production of interleukin-18. — Mol Cell Endocrinol, 2026-10-08 (PMID 42849811; literature)
- Procalcitonin and Interleukin-18 in Umbilical Cord Blood as Early Diagnostic Biomarkers for Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis: A Case-Control Study. — Pak J Biol Sci, 2026-10-01 (PMID 42876180; literature)
- [Mechanisms by which interleukin-18 binding protein regulates the NLRP3 inflammasome in Kawasaki disease-related coronary artery lesions]. — Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi, 2026-10-01 (PMID 42902729; literature)