IL1HY1: A novel interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene

Interleukin-1 is a potent mediator of inflammation, involved in regulating a wide variety of physiological and cellular events. We have identified and characterized a novel member of the human interleukin-1 gene family (IL1HY 1). The encoded protein demonstrates significant amino acid homology to the receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) at 52%. The gene was mapped to the long arm o f chromosome 2, in close proximity to the IL-1 locus. IL1HY1 message is tig htly regulated being most predominantly expressed in the skin, but also det ected in the spleen, brain leukocyte, and macrophage cell types. Furthermor e, the message can be induced in THP-1 cells by phorbol ester (PIMA) and li popolysaccharide (LPS)treatment. (C) 1999 Academic Press.