The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine receptor that belongs to the interleukin 1 receptor family. This receptor specifically binds interleukin 18 (IL18), and is essential for IL18 mediated signal transduction. IFN-alpha and IL12 are reported to induce the expression of this receptor in NK and T cells. This gene along with four other members of the interleukin 1 receptor family, including IL1R2, IL1R1, ILRL2 (IL-1Rrp2), and IL1RL1 (T1/ST2), form a gene cluster on chromosome 2q. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2013]
Forensic Context
A study in humans demonstrated that the IL18R1 is downregulated in myocardial fibrosis versus acute myocardial infarction and upregulated in heart failure versus myocardial fibrosis, showing involvement in TNF signaling and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways and possessing potential diagnostic value for acute myocardial infarction [Wang et al. DOI:10.3389/fcvm.2021.664044]. Another human study found the IL18R1 was elevated in heavier monozygotic twins within an immunometabolism component, indicating an association with obesity [Kibble et al. DOI:10.1098/rsos.200872].