Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory protein that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response. It is part of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) cytokine family, which includes both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory members. IL-1Ra specifically inhibits the activities of IL-1α and IL-1β by binding to their receptors without eliciting a signal, thereby preventing these cytokines from exerting their pro-inflammatory effects .
IL-1Ra is a 178-amino acid protein encoded by the IL1RN gene in humans. It exists in both secreted and intracellular forms, with the secreted form being the most studied. The protein functions by competitively inhibiting the binding of IL-1α and IL-1β to the interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R), thus blocking the downstream signaling pathways that lead to inflammation .
IL-1Ra is essential for maintaining the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signals in the body. It protects against excessive immune activation and uncontrolled systemic inflammation triggered by various stimuli, including pathogens . Dysregulation of IL-1Ra levels can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease .
Mouse anti-human IL-1Ra antibodies are monoclonal antibodies developed in mice that specifically target human IL-1Ra. These antibodies are used in research to study the role of IL-1Ra in various diseases and to develop potential therapeutic interventions. They are also employed in diagnostic assays to measure IL-1Ra levels in biological samples .
Research on IL-1Ra has led to significant advancements in understanding the mechanisms of inflammation and immune regulation. IL-1Ra has been explored as a therapeutic agent in treating various inflammatory conditions. For instance, Anakinra, a recombinant form of human IL-1Ra, is used clinically to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases .
In mouse models, IL-1Ra knockout mice have been used to study the effects of increased IL-1 signaling. These studies have shown that the absence of IL-1Ra leads to enhanced inflammatory responses and increased susceptibility to inflammatory diseases .