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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
Published on: September 15, 2017
Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) modulates endothelial cell proliferation
Rachael M Dewberry1, Andrea R King, David C Crossman
1Cardiovascular Research Unit, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2RX, United Kingdom. r.dewberry@sheffield.ac.uk <r.dewberry@sheffield.ac.uk>
Abstract:
Endothelial cell (EC) lifespan controlled by the IL-1 family of cytokines is an important determinant of susceptibility to artery wall disease. Here we show that EC lacking intracellular interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) have a reduced lifespan compared to controls. Over expression of IL-1ra enhanced proliferation via cyclin dependent kinase 2 activity and retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation. This was not seen in EC lacking IL-1 receptor 1 (IL-1 signalling ability), nor apparent using other stimuli e.g. TNF alpha. These data suggest that IL-1ra has a specific and receptor-dependent function to control the growth and lifespan of EC.
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