Invitrogen™ Human IL-1 alpha Recombinant Protein

IL-1 alpha (Interleukin-1 alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine expressed by monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. IL-1 alpha is coded by the IL1A gene and signals through two receptors, IL-1RI and IL-1RII, both of which are shared with IL-1 beta. IL1A is located on the q arm on chromosome 2 at position 13. IL-1 alpha plays an important role in innate host defense by triggering the production of other proinflammatory cytokines in target cells and initiating acute-phase responses. IL-1 alpha activity can be moderated by IL-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1RA), a protein produced by many cell types that blocks receptor binding through competitive inhibition. IL-1 alpha is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in various immune responses, inflammatory processes, and hematopoiesis. Further, IL-1 alpha is produced by monocytes and macrophages as a proprotein, which is proteolytically processed and released in response to cell injury and induces apoptosis. The IL1A gene and eight other interleukin 1 family genes form a cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 2. IL1 alpha regulates the activities of NF-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinases. IL-1 alpha can stimulate the expression of IL6 and cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2/COX-2), as well as enhance the production of nitric oxide (NO). High levels of IL-1 alpha are associated with several chronic inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis.