title: Osteoclast activating factor is now interleukin-1 beta: historical perspective and biological implications.
abstract: Interleukin-1 (IL-1) represents a family of polypeptides with widespread immunological and non-immunological activity. Recent studies show that osteoclast activating factor (OAF) is homologous to IL-1B. In this review, the biological properties, cell sources and actions of IL-1 are discussed. The numerous biological effects of IL-1 on various host systems suggest that elevated levels of the mediator may be an indicator of a pathological process. Since the IL-1 family plays an important role as a key mediator of the inflammatory, immunological and bone resorptive responses it is of considerable concern to dentists.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000502:physiology*; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000502:physiology*; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D007375:Interleukin-1; D008222:Lymphokines; C008718:osteoclast activating factor