The biological activities of interleukin-1

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) refers to a hormone-like polypeptide that mediates a broad spectrum of activities in host defence as well as a variety of disease processes. Originally described as a substance produced by activated macrophages, IL-1 is now recognized as a polypeptide produced by many other cell types. Two distinct genes have been identified that code for two structurally related forms of the molecule, termed IL-1 alpha and beta. IL-1 is the primary mediator of the acute phase response and is responsible for many of the changes associated with the onset of infection. It is involved in the immune response to antigenic challenge. IL-1 induces fever and has profound endocrinologic, neurologic, metabolic and hematologic effects. Both forms of IL-1 bind to a common receptor that has been identified on a variety of cell types including lymphocytes, hepatocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Many of the activities of IL-1 are mediated by the induction of other cytokines like IL-2, IL-6, interferons, tumor necrosis factor, and colony-stimulating factors. In animals IL-1 protects against the effects of radiation, it enhances natural resistance of infection, and it stimulates bone marrow recovery after myelosuppression. These studies suggest that IL-1 may be used as a therapeutic agent.