Recombinant Interleukin-1 Alpha (IL-1α) from porcine sources is a protein corresponding to amino acids 113-270 of the native pig IL-1α . It is typically produced using recombinant DNA technology, where the gene encoding IL-1α is inserted into an expression system, such as Pichia pastoris, a species of yeast. The protein is then purified using ion-exchange chromatography to achieve high purity levels (>95% by SDS PAGE analysis) .
IL-1α is a key mediator in the inflammatory response. It acts on T-helper cells (Th cells) and induces them to secrete Interleukin-2 (IL-2), which in turn stimulates T cells to undergo mitosis and clonal expansion . This cytokine is also involved in driving Th1 and Th17 inflammatory responses, which are critical for the body’s defense against pathogens .
Recombinant IL-1α is widely used in research to study its effects on various biological processes. For instance, it has been shown to stimulate T cell and fibroblast proliferation, induce fibroblast collagenase, and promote prostaglandin production . These activities make it a valuable tool for understanding the mechanisms underlying inflammation and immune responses.
Recent studies have explored the therapeutic potential of IL-1α in treating conditions such as ischemic stroke. Research has demonstrated that IL-1α administration can be neuroprotective and neuro-restorative following experimental ischemic stroke . When administered intravenously or intra-arterially at low sub-pathologic doses, IL-1α has been shown to improve overall outcomes and promote neurorepair .