IL1A&IL1B

IL1B encodes a cytokine that is a central mediator of the inflammatory response. It is part of the IL-1 family of cytokines, which regulate immune and inflammatory responses to infections and injury. IL1B plays a crucial role in initiating fever and acute inflammation and is involved in the pathogenesis of a wide range of inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, and gout. Its activity is tightly regulated, as excessive IL1B production can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases. It signals through the IL-1 receptor, activating pathways that promote immune responses.

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the interleukin 1 cytokine family. This cytokine is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in various immune responses, inflammatory processes, and hematopoiesis. This cytokine is produced by monocytes and macrophages as a proprotein, which is proteolytically processed and released in response to cell injury, and thus induces apoptosis. This gene and eight other interleukin 1 family genes form a cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 2. It has been suggested that the polymorphism of these genes is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]