Medical Definition of Interleukin-1
1.
A soluble protein (17 kD: 152 amino acids) secreted by monocytes, macrophages or accessory cells involved in the activation of both T-lymphocytes and B lymphocytes and potentiates their response to antigens or mitogens.
Its biological effects include the ability to replace macrophage requirements for T-cell activation, as well as affecting a wide range of other cell types. at least two IL-1 genes are active and alpha and beta forms of IL-1 are recognised.
It is released early in an immune system response by monocytes and macrophages. It stimulates T-cell proliferation and protein synthesis. Another effect of IL-1 is that it causes fever.
See: catabolin, endogenous pyrogen.
Acronym: IL-1
(12 Dec 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Interleukin-1
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