| interleukin-1 | <cytokine> A soluble protein (17 kD: 152 amino acids) secreted by monocytes, macrophages or accessory cells involved in the activation of both T-lymphocytes and B lymphocytes and potentiates their response to antigens or mitogens. Its biological effects include the ability to replace macrophage requirements for T-cell activation, as well as affecting a wide range of other cell types. at least two IL-1 genes are active and alpha and beta forms of IL-1 are recognised. It is released early in an immune system response by monocytes and macrophages. It stimulates T-cell proliferation and protein synthesis. Another effect of IL-1 is that it causes fever. See: catabolin, endogenous pyrogen. Acronym: IL-1 (12 Dec 1998) |
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| interleukin-1 converting enzyme | <biochemistry> Cytoplasmic cysteine protease that is uniquely responsible for cleaving proIL-1_ (31 or 33 kD) into mature IL-1_ (17.5 kD), the active cytokine is then released by a nonstandard mechanism (there is no signal sequence and it does not pass through the Golgi). The enzyme seems to be composed of two nonidentical subunits derived from a single proenzyme. The ICE gene has some homology with the ced 9 gene of C. Elegans, the product of which is involved in mediating cell death by apoptosis. (11 Mar 1998) |
| interleukin-10 | <cytokine> A factor produced by Th2 helper T-cells, some B-cells and LPS activated monocytes. It is a coregulator of mast cell growth. It is produced by T-cells and B-cells and shows extensive homology with the Epstein-Barr virus bcrfi gene. Chemical name: Cytokine formation-inhibiting factor (mouse clone F115 protein moiety reduced) Acronym: IL-10 (12 Dec 1998) |
| interleukin-11 | <cytokine> Pleiotropic cytokine originally isolated from primate bone marrow stromal cell line that has the ability to modulate antigen-specific antibody responses, potentiate megakaryocytes, and regulate bone marrow adipogenesis. Stimulates T-cell dependent B-cell maturation, megakaryopoiesis, various stages of myeloid differentiation. Receptor probably a tyrosine kinase. Acronym: IL-11 (12 Dec 1998) |
| interleukin-12 | <cytokine> A 75 kD heterodimeric cytokine composed of disulfide-bonded 40 kD and 35 kD subunits that was originally identified by its ability to induce cytotoxic effector cells in synergy with less than optimal concentrations of interleukin-2. It is released by macrophages in response to infection and promotes the activation of cell-mediated immunity. Specifically, IL-12 triggers the maturation of Thl CD4 cells, specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses and an increase in the activity of NK cells and consequently, it is the initiator of cell-mediated immunity. It enhances the lytic activity of NK cells, induces interferon production, stimulates the proliferation of activated T-cells and NK cells. Is secreted by human B lymphoblastoid cells (NC 37). May play a role in controlling immunoglobulin isotype selection as it also inhibits IgE synthesis (even in the presence of anti-IFN monoclonal antibody) and as a growth factor for activated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells independently of interleukin-2, and for CD56+ NK cells but not resting peripheral blood mononuclear cells or resting or activated tonsillar B-cells. It is likely that interleukin 12 has a major role in protective immunity against viruses and is under study as an immunotherapy in HIV infection. Formerly referred to as cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor. Acronym: IL-12 (12 Dec 1998) |
| interleukin-13 | <cytokine> A T-lymphocyte-derived cytokine that produces proliferation, immunoglobulin isotype switching, and immunoglobulin production by immature B-lymphocytes. It appears to play a role in regulating inflammatory and immune responses and has anti-inflammatory activity. Produced by activated T-cells, inhibits IL-6 production by monocytes and also the production of other pro inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, IL-1, IL-8. Stimulates B-cells. Gene is located in cluster of genes on human chromosome 5q that also has IL-4 gene. Acronym: IL-13 (12 Dec 1998) |
| interleukin-14 | Cytokine that induces B-cell proliferation, inhibits immunoglobulin secretion, and selectively expands certain B-cell subpopulations. Acronym: IL-14 (12 Dec 1998) |
| interleukin-15 | Cytokine that stimulates the proliferation of T-lymphocytes and shares biological activities with il-2. Il-15 also can induce b-lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation. Acronym: IL-15 (12 Dec 1998) |
| interleukin-16 | Cytokine produced by activated T-lymphocytes that stimulates the migration of CD4-positive lymphocytes and monocytes. It has been reported to suppress HIV replication. (12 Dec 1998) |