Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory protein that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response by inhibiting the activities of interleukin-1 (IL-1). IL-1 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The recombinant form of IL-1Ra, specifically designed for equine use, has shown significant therapeutic potential in veterinary medicine.
IL-1Ra was first discovered in 1984 in the urine and serum of patients with leukemia and in the supernatant of cultured monocytes . It was named for its ability to competitively bind to the IL-1 receptor, thereby antagonizing the function of IL-1. The recombinant form of IL-1Ra has been developed to enhance its stability and bioactivity, making it suitable for therapeutic applications.
IL-1Ra functions by binding to the IL-1 receptor on the cell membrane, preventing IL-1 from binding to its receptor and initiating pro-inflammatory signaling pathways . This competitive inhibition helps to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response. In horses, IL-1Ra has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining) and mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA) .
Recombinant IL-1Ra can be produced using various expression systems. One study reported the expression and characterization of recombinant IL-1Ra in Aspergillus oryzae, a filamentous fungus . This system offers advantages such as cost-effective production and enhanced stability of the recombinant protein. The recombinant IL-1Ra produced in Aspergillus oryzae was found to be N-glycosylated and exhibited good bioactivity and stability.
The therapeutic potential of IL-1Ra in equine medicine has been extensively studied. IRAP® (Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein) therapy, originally developed in Europe, has been widely used in Germany and is now marketed in the United States by Arthrex VetSystems . This therapy is recommended for the treatment of synovitis and mild to moderate osteoarthritis in horses. The use of IL-1Ra in horses helps to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve joint function.