Description
Interleukin-18-binding protein (IL-18BP) is a constitutively expressed and secreted protein. IL-18BP is a cytokine receptor that belongs to the interleukin 1 receptor family. This receptor specifically binds interleukin 18 (IL18), prevents the binding of IL18 to its receptor, and thus inhibits IL18-induced IFN-gamma production, resulting in reduced T-helper type 1 immune responses. This protein is constitutively expressed and secreted in mononuclear cells. Elevated level of this protein is detected in the intestinal tissues of patients with Crohn’s disease.