INTERLEUKIN-1 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST

There are three members of the IL-1 gene family: IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta , and IL-1ra. IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta are both antagonist molecules w ith many proinflammatory effects. IL-1ra is an antagonist molecule tha t can inhibit the effect of IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta by specifically b locking the IL-1 receptor on target effector cells. IL-1 alpha and IL- 1 beta are considered to be pivotal cytokines in the pathogenesis of m any inflammatory diseases. Anti-IL-1 treatment has been shown to cause amelioration of arthritis in animal models and in RA, suggesting that IL-1ra may be an important therapeutic option in the future managemen t of RA.