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Summary
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key mediator of host responses to infection and inflammation. This molecule, previously known as endogenous pyrogen (EP), leukocytic endogenous mediator (LEM), and lymphocyte-activating factor (LAF), acts as a hormone during infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Host responses to infection involve soluble products from phagocytic cells.
- Endogenous pyrogen (EP) and leukocytic endogenous mediator (LEM) mediate fever and acute-phase responses.
- Lymphocyte-activating factor (LAF) shares properties with EP and LEM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental and clinical data linking Interleukin-1 (IL-1) to host responses during infection and inflammation.
- To discuss the cell sources, inducers, chemical nature, and mechanisms of action of IL-1.
- To present the importance of IL-1 in host defense mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental and clinical data.
- Characterization and purification of EP, LEM, and LAF.
- Incubation of purified EP/LEM with lymphocytes.
Main Results:
- EP, LEM, and LAF are closely related, if not identical, molecules, now termed Interleukin-1 (IL-1).
- IL-1 production and activity are linked to host responses to infection and inflammation.
- IL-1 mediates elevated temperature, lymphocyte activation, and systemic metabolic changes.
Conclusions:
- IL-1 is a key mediator of host responses to microbial invasion.
- IL-1 functions as a hormone produced during infection and inflammation.
- IL-1's biologic activities explain aspects of the acute-phase reaction.