Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay
Published on: March 1, 2011
Interleukin-1 as a possible agent for treatment of infection
J W van der Meer1, M Vogels, J H Curfs
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Treatment of experimental animals with bacterial products, such as cell wall components of gram-negative bacteria, leads to enhanced resistance to a variety of microorganisms. Since interleukin-1 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines are induced by such bacterial products, it has been investigated whether these cytokines are also capable of enforcing host resistance. It has been possible to demonstrate that a low dose of interleukin-1 protects mice against death from either gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria, Candida albicans and Plasmodium berghei. The protection against lethal bacterial and fungal infection can be produced in both normal and neutropenic animals. Despite extensive investigations, the mechanism of protection is not understood. A possible mechanism, which is currently being investigated, is that interleukin-1 interferes with the deleterious action of the pro-inflammatory cytokines during the lethal phase of the infection.
Related Concept Videos
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects

