dictionary help| interleukin-1 | medical dictionary |
<cytokine>
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.
Synonyms: catabolin, endogenous pyrogen.
Acronym: IL-1
(12 Dec 1998)
interleaved bit-map, interleaving, interleukin < Prev | Next > interleukin-10, interleukin-11, interleukin-12
Bookmark with:      | word visualiser | Go and visit our forums  |
