Semi-Quantitative Immunohistochemical Analysis of IL-18 Expression by Tubular Epithelial Cells in Human Renal Transplant Recipients.

An important event in solid organ transplantation is the early expression of cytokines at tissue sites. IL-18 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the innate immune response, and has a key role in the activation of infiltrating immunocompetent cells which direct allograft injury. Animal models suggest that IL-18 may be produced by renal tubular epithelial cells. Post-perfusion biopsies from 11 patients were assessed by 3-stage indirect immunohistochemistry using an IgGl anti-IL-18 ab. In post-perfusion biopsies IL-18 expression was predominantly localised to tubular epithelial cells.