Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.
There are three members of the IL-1 gene family: IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-1ra, IL-1 alpha, and IL-1 beta are both antagonist molecules with many proinflammatory effects. IL-1ra is an antagonist molecule that can inhibit the effect of IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta by specifically blocking the IL-1 receptor on target effector cells. IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta are considered to be pivotal cytokines in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases. Anti-IL-1 treatment has been shown to cause amelioration of arthritis in animal models and in RA, suggesting that IL-1ra may be an important therapeutic option in the future management of RA.
University College, Dublin, Ireland.
B
B
Bresnihan
G
G
Cunnane
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000494:pharmacology; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007375:Interleukin-1; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1