Abstract
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) was discovered as an interferon-gamma-inducing factor and had a critical role in inflammatory and immune response. It stimulates natural killer (NK) and T cells and enhances Th1 immune response. These activated immune cells eliminate cancer cells and virus-infected cells effectively. However, IL-18 has also been found to promote tumor progression. Higher expression or secretion level of IL-18 is detected in various cancer cells in comparison with normal control, and IL-18 is able to induce angiogenesis, migration/metastasis, proliferation and immune escape. These dual effects and the mechanism of IL-18 need to be investigated further as it relates to cancer.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 329-335 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Cellular & molecular immunology |
| Volume | 4 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 Oct |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
