Interleukin-18 (IL-18, also known as interferon-gamma inducing factor) is a proinflammatory cytokine that belongs to the IL-1 superfamily and is produced by macrophages and other cells. IL-18 activation is induced by infection or tissue damage and contributes to disease pathology in chronic inflammation. In the presence of IL-12 or IL-15, IL-18 enhances anti-viral Th1 immune responses by inducing IFN-gamma production and the cytolytic activity of CD8+ T cells and NK cells. In the absence of IL-12 or IL-15, however, IL-18 promotes production of the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 by CD4+ T cells and basophils. In the presence of IL-1 beta or IL-23, IL-18 induces the antigen-independent production of IL-17 by gamma δ T cells and CD4+ T cells.IL-18 also promotes myeloid dendritic cell maturation and triggers neutrophil respiratory burst.In cancer, IL-18 exhibits diverse activities including enhancing anti-tumor immunity, inhibiting or promoting angiogenesis, and promoting tumor cell metastasis.