Interleukin‐1

Abstract

Abstract The interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) family of ligands and receptors plays a central role in the generation and regulation of inflammation as a part of the immune response. IL‐1 molecules are best known as members of the pro‐inflammatory protein family called cytokines. They have been shown to play a role, not only during inflammation, but also in influencing additional physiological and pathological functions such as auto‐immune diseases, malignancies and many others. Moreover, the biological balance between pro‐inflammatory and inhibitory activities is crucial, since any shift in IL‐1 family expression has the potential to cause disease. Key Concepts Interleukin‐1 proteins play a central role in the generation and regulation of inflammatory processes. The IL‐1α and IL1‐β ligands are pro‐inflammatory cytokines. IL‐1Ra and IL‐1RII are natural inhibitors of IL‐1 signalling. Shifts in the balance between agonistic and antagonistic signals of IL‐1 family members are crucial for a proper immune response. Changes in production and secretion of IL‐1 proteins, which determine the balance between activating and neutralising IL‐1R signalling, are widely associated with many human diseases. IL‐1 neutralisation is now considered as an attractive therapeutic strategy for many diseases, including cancer.