Identification and characterization of a partial cDNA expressing interleukin-1-like activity in keratinocytes

A partial cDNA has been isolated from the human keratinocyte cell line COLO-16 which is distinct from either IL-1 alpha or beta and encodes a protein which displays some of the biological properties associated with IL-1. The 720 bp partial cDNA hybridized on Northern blots of COLO-16 mRNA to a 1.6 kbp message of low abundance. Expression of the partial cDNA in COS-1 cells resulted in activity in three IL-1 assays: thymocyte co-stimulation, D10.G4.1 T-cell stimulation and fibroblast proliferation. Antisera generated against synthetic peptides based on inferred protein sequence from the cDNA reacted with a 20 kDa and 30 kDa species in both the COLO-16 cell line and PMA-stimulated normal human keratinocytes. These novel species were also present in PMA-stimulated and unstimulated human dermal fibroblasts and human T-cell lines.