IL-1 beta

Alias: IL-1β, Interleukin-1 beta, IL1F2, Catabolin

IL-1β is a pro-inflammatory cytokine expressed by monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. It is synthesized in response to inflammatory stimuli as an inactive pro-form that accumulates in the cytosol. Cleavage of pro-IL-1β into the active protein requires the activation of inflammasomes, which are multi-protein complexes that respond to pathogens, stress conditions, and other danger signals. IL-1β signals through two receptors, IL-1RI and IL-1RII, both of which are shared with IL-1α. These cytokines play important roles in innate host defense by triggering the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines in target cells and initiating acute-phase responses. Their activity can be moderated by IL-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1RA), a protein produced by many cell types that blocks receptor binding through competitive inhibition. Elevated levels of IL-1β have been associated with multiple inflammatory related disorders including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and several rare auto-inflammatory diseases.