Interleukin-1 and neuronal injury.
Interleukin-1 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that has numerous biological effects, including activation of many inflammatory processes (through activation of T cells, for example), induction of expression of acute-phase proteins, an important function in neuroimmune responses and direct effects on the brain itself. There is now extensive evidence to support the direct involvement of interleukin-1 in the neuronal injury that occurs in both acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. This article discusses the key evidence of a role for interleukin-1 in acute neurodegeneration - for example, stroke and brain trauma - and provides a rationale for targeting the interleukin-1 system as a therapeutic strategy.
Allan
Stuart M
SM
Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK. stuart.allan@manchester.ac.uk
Tyrrell
Pippa J
PJ
Rothwell
Nancy J
NJ
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*
D007375:Interleukin-1