ATW0022 Aptamer to Human Interleukin-18 (IL-18) Cytokine. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a cytokine that belongs to the IL-1 superfamily and is produced by macrophages and other cells. IL-18 works by binding to the interleukin-18 receptor, and together with IL-12 it induces cell-mediated immunity following infection with microbial products like lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After stimulation with IL-18, natural killer (NK) cells and certain T cells release another important cytokine called interferon-γ (IFNγ) or type II interferon that plays an important role in activating the macrophages or other cells. This aptamer was selected by scientists at Base Pair Biotechnologies using proprietary methods and human Interleukin-18. [Novus Biologicals, Cat #NBC1-20152]