Somei KojimaYukiko NagamineMasashi HayanoSornchai LooareesuwanKenji NakanishiInstitute of Medical Science The University of TokyoMahidol UniversityHyogo College of Medicine2018-07-242018-07-242004-01-01Acta Tropica. Vol.89, No.3 (2004), 279-2840001706X2-s2.0-1642442462https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/21424Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine that induces interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production from Th1 cells, NK cells and activated macrophages, particularly in the presence of IL-12. However, it is also shown that without help from IL-12, IL-18 is capable of inducing IL-4 and IL-13 production in T cells, NK cells, mast cells and basophils, and that administration of IL-18 in conjunction with an allergen increases serum IgE levels. In order to clarify the role of IL-18 in disease severity of falciparum malaria, we have examined serum levels of IL-18, IFN-γ, and IgE for 96 patients with falciparum malaria [Trans. R. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg. 97, 236-241]. Results suggested that IL-18 plays a key role in inducing severe malaria through a pathway of elevating IFN-γ, rather than its IgE inducing activity. Based on these results, the role of IL-18 in severe falciparum malaria will be discussed in this review. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Mahidol UniversityImmunology and MicrobiologyMedicineReviewSCOPUS10.1016/j.actatropica.2003.10.005