Interleukin-1

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a group of 11 cytokines, which plays a central role in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses to infections or sterile insults.

Overview

Interleukin-1 family members are potent cytokines, involved in various immune responses, inflammatory processes, and hematopoiesis. This cytokine is produced by monocytes and macrophages as a proprotein, which is proteolytically processed and released in response to cell injury, and thus induces apoptosis.

Function

Interleukin-1 is a critical part of the body's immune response to infection, as it is responsible for the production of inflammation, as well as the promotion of fever and sepsis. IL-1 also plays a role in autoimmune diseases.

Types

There are two types of Interleukin-1, Interleukin-1 alpha and Interleukin-1 beta. They have similar functions but are distinct in terms of their molecular structure and cellular production.

Role in Disease

Overproduction of IL-1 can result in a number of inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. In recent years, specific drugs that block IL-1 have been developed and are in clinical use.

See Also

• Cytokine
• Interleukin
• Interleukin-1 alpha
• Interleukin-1 beta
• Monocytes
• Macrophages
• Apoptosis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriasis
• Ankylosing spondylitis

Interleukin-1 Resources
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