IL-18 Activators

The chemical class known as IL-18 activators comprises a diverse array of compounds that modulate IL-18 expression by targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway. These chemicals, including resveratrol, curcumin, dexamethasone, thymoquinone, 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), quercetin, sulforaphane, luteolin, sodium salicylate, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), alpha-lipoic acid, and celastrol, play crucial roles in relieving IL-18 from transcriptional suppression, thereby promoting its active participation in pro-inflammatory processes.

NF-κB serves as a central orchestrator in regulating IL-18 expression. These activators, through their distinct mechanisms, predominantly inhibit NF-κB, releasing IL-18 from its suppressive influence. For instance, resveratrol and curcumin act as potent inhibitors of NF-κB, facilitating increased IL-18 transcription. Dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, further contributes to IL-18 activation by inhibiting both NF-κB and AP-1. Thymoquinone, DIM, quercetin, sulforaphane, luteolin, sodium salicylate, EGCG, alpha-lipoic acid, and celastrol exhibit similar NF-κB inhibitory effects, collectively supporting the activation of IL-18.