IL-18是具有广泛生物学活性的细胞因子,可诱导Th1型淋巴细胞分泌IFN-γ、IL-2等因子,促进或抑制Th2型因子的作用;它不仅参与间质性肺疾病的早期炎症过程,还在肺组织损伤及纤维化过程中发挥重要作用。 IL-18 is a cytokine with a wide range of biological activity, can induce Th1-type lymphocytes to secrete IFN-γ, IL-2 and other factors to promote or inhibit the role of Th2-type factor; it not only involved in early inflammation of interstitial lung disease Process, but also play an important role in lung tissue injury and fibrosis.