Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a naturally occurring protein that plays a crucial role in modulating the immune response by inhibiting the activities of interleukin-1 (IL-1) cytokines. The recombinant form of IL-1Ra, particularly the mouse recombinant version with a His tag, is widely used in research to study its effects and potential therapeutic applications.
The mouse recombinant IL-1Ra is produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 177 amino acids. It has a molecular mass of approximately 20 kDa. The protein is fused to a 25 amino acid His tag at the N-terminus, which facilitates its purification through chromatographic techniques .
IL-1Ra functions as an anti-inflammatory antagonist of the interleukin-1 family of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-1α. By binding to the IL-1 receptors without eliciting a signal, IL-1Ra effectively blocks the activities of IL-1, thereby protecting the body from immune dysregulation and uncontrolled systemic inflammation triggered by various stimulatory agents, including pathogens .
Recombinant IL-1Ra has been extensively studied for its potential therapeutic applications. For instance, it has been shown to provide cardioprotection during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. Pretreatment with recombinant human IL-1Ra (rhIL-1Ra) has demonstrated marked cardioprotective effects by preserving left ventricular ejection fraction and reducing infarct size .
The IL1RN gene, which encodes IL-1Ra, is associated with various diseases, including chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis and microvascular complications of diabetes. Polymorphisms in this gene have been linked to an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures and gastric cancer . Understanding the function and therapeutic potential of IL-1Ra is crucial for developing treatments for these conditions.