When activated, macrophages produce Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), a cytokine that plays a crucial role in stimulating the immune system. IL-1β exerts its effects by promoting the proliferation of thymocytes, which are precursor cells of T lymphocytes, through the induction of interleukin-2 (IL-2) release. Furthermore, IL-1β contributes to the maturation and proliferation of B cells, enhancing the humoral immune response. In addition to its immune-modulating properties, IL-1β also stimulates fibroblast growth factor activity, contributing to tissue repair and wound healing. Notably, IL-1β is recognized as an endogenous pyrogen, indicating its involvement in the induction of fever, a hallmark of the inflammatory response. Moreover, studies have demonstrated that IL-1β can stimulate the production of prostaglandins from synovial cells, highlighting its potential role in inflammatory joint conditions.
IL-1β is synthesized as an inactive 31 kDa pro-form that accumulates in the cytosol . The activation of IL-1β requires cleavage by inflammasomes, which are multi-protein complexes that respond to pathogens, stress conditions, and other danger signals . The active form of IL-1β is a 17 kDa protein that is then released to exert its biological effects.
IL-1β is a potent mediator of inflammation and immune responses. It can induce fever, hypotension, and the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Additionally, IL-1β stimulates the production of other cytokines, which further amplify the inflammatory response . This cytokine is involved in various inflammatory diseases, including sepsis, arthritis, and skin hypersensitivity reactions .
Recombinant murine IL-1β is produced using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the expression system . The recombinant protein is a non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 153 amino acids and has a molecular mass of approximately 17.5 kDa . The protein is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques to ensure high purity and biological activity.
Recombinant IL-1β is widely used in laboratory research to study its role in inflammation and immune responses. It is also used to develop and test anti-inflammatory drugs. For instance, transgenic mice expressing a luciferase gene driven by the IL-1β promoter have been used to monitor IL-1β expression in vivo using bioluminescence imaging . This model helps researchers understand the transcriptional regulation of IL-1β and evaluate the efficacy of potential therapeutic agents.
Lyophilized recombinant murine IL-1β is stable at room temperature for up to three weeks but should be stored desiccated below -18°C for long-term storage . Upon reconstitution, it should be stored at 4°C for short-term use and below -18°C for long-term use. To prevent degradation, it is recommended to add a carrier protein such as human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) and avoid freeze-thaw cycles .