Interleukin-1

A protein produced by various cells, including macrophages, interleukin-1 raises body temperature, spurs the production of interferon, and stimulates growth of disease-fighting cells, among other functions. Abbreviated IL-1.

* * *

A cytokine, derived primarily from mononuclear phagocytes, which enhances the proliferation of T helper cells and growth and differentiation of B cells. When secreted in larger quantities it is a mediator of inflammation, entering the bloodstream and causing fever, inducing synthesis of acute phase proteins, and initiating metabolic wasting. There are two distinct forms of IL-1 : α and β, both of which perform the same functions, but represent different proteins.

* * *

interleukin-1 -'wən n an interleukin produced esp. by monocytes and macrophages that regulates cell-mediated and humoral immune responses by activating lymphocytes and mediates other biological processes (as the onset of fever) usu. associated with infection and inflammation abbr. IL-1

* * *

(IL-1) a predominately macrophage-produced interleukin that mediates the host inflammatory response in innate immunity; two principal forms exist, designated α and β, with apparently identical biological activity. At low concentrations, IL-1 principally acts to mediate local inflammation, causing mononuclear phagocytes and endothelial cells to synthesize leukocyte-activating chemokines; at high concentrations IL-1 enters the blood stream and acts as an endocrine hormone, in some actions resembling tumor necrosis factor by its ability to cause fever, initiate hepatic synthesis of acute phase proteins, and induce cachexia.