The IL18RAP (Interleukin-18 Receptor Accessory Protein) antibody targets a key component of the interleukin-18 (IL-18) signaling pathway. IL18RAP is a transmembrane protein that forms a heterodimeric receptor complex with IL-18Rα (IL1RL1) to mediate IL-18 signaling. This cytokine receptor plays a critical role in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses, particularly in promoting Th1 cell differentiation, enhancing NK cell activity, and driving inflammatory cascades. IL-18 itself is implicated in autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and cancer.
Antibodies against IL18RAP are primarily used in research to study the receptor's expression, function, and interaction with IL-18. They enable detection of IL18RAP in immune cells via techniques like flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, or Western blotting. Dysregulated IL-18 signaling, linked to altered IL18RAP expression, has been observed in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain cancers. Therapeutic strategies targeting IL-18/IL18RAP signaling, including neutralizing antibodies, are under investigation to modulate excessive inflammation. Recent studies also explore IL18RAP as a potential biomarker for disease severity or treatment response. However, the therapeutic application of IL18RAP antibodies remains experimental, requiring further validation of their efficacy and safety in clinical settings.