Uses
IL-1β (interleukin 1 β) human has been used to study the effect of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators on leukotriene B4 and C4 synthesis as well as secretion in an inflamed porcine endometrium. It has been used to study the effect of cytokines on synthesis and secretion of leukotrienes from endometrial epithelial cells of pigs.
General Description
IL-1β (interleukin 1 β) is a proinflammatory cytokine produced in a variety of cells including monocytes, tissue macrophages, keratinocytes and other epithelial cells. It is synthesized as a pro-IL-1β which is changed to active form IL-1β with the help of pro-inflammatory protease caspase-1. IL-1β belongs to the IL-1 gene family. The gene is mapped to human chromosome 2q14. Recombinant human IL-1β is a 17.3kDa protein containing 153 amino acid residues.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Both IL-1α (interleukin 1 α) and IL-1β binds to the same receptor and has similar if not identical biological properties. These cytokines have a broad range of activities including, stimulation of thymocyte proliferation, by inducing IL-2 release, B-cell maturation and proliferation, mitogenic FGF (fibroblast growth factor)-like activity and the ability to stimulate the release of prostaglandin and collagenase from synovial cells. However, whereas IL-1β is a secreted cytokine, IL-1α is predominantly a cell-associated cytokine. IL-1β is involved in proinflammatory and immunological responses. Some of them include enhancing IL-2 generation, and increasing circulating NO (nitric oxide) and bringing neutrophils. It also regulates gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, mesenchymal growth factors and colony stimulating factors. IL-1β is present in chronic inflamed tissues and also in tissues going for fibrogenesis. It brings neutrophil and macrophage to the site of infection. Mutations in IL-1β gene are linked with renal manifestations and renal sequelae in Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura. It is also associated with destruction of β-cell in type 1 diabetes.
