IL1A Human, HEK

Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) is a cytokine belonging to the interleukin-1 family, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. This article delves into the background, production, and significance of human recombinant IL-1α expressed in HEK 293 cells.

IL-1α, also known by various synonyms such as IL-1A, IL1, IL1-α, and IL1F1, is encoded by the IL1A gene located on human chromosome 2 . It is constitutively produced by epithelial cells and is found in significant amounts in normal human epidermis, distributed equally between living epidermal cells and the stratum corneum .

Human recombinant IL-1α is produced using HEK 293 cells, a specific cell line derived from human embryonic kidney cells. This method ensures high purity and biological activity of the cytokine. The recombinant protein is typically lyophilized from a filtered solution in PBS (pH 7.4) and may contain mannitol or trehalose as protectants .

IL-1α possesses a wide range of metabolic, physiological, and hematopoietic activities. It binds to the interleukin-1 receptor, playing a central role in immune response regulation . The cytokine is involved in the production of inflammation, promotion of fever, and sepsis . In vitro, IL-1α exhibits biological effects on cells in the picomolar to femtomolar range, while in vivo, it activates immune system responses shortly after the onset of an infection .

Recombinant IL-1α is used extensively in research to study its role in immune responses and its potential therapeutic applications. It is also utilized in various assays to understand its interaction with other cytokines and its impact on different cell types .