Ovine IL-1 alpha ELISpot

IL-1α is produced mainly by activated macrophages, as well as neutrophils, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells. It possesses metabolic, physiological, haematopoietic activities, and plays one of the central roles in the regulation of the immune responses. The IL-1 family of cytokines encompasses eleven proteins that each share a similar β-barrel structure and bind to Ig-like receptors. Several of the well characterized members of the IL-1-like cytokines play key roles in the development and regulation of inflammation. IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-18 (IL-1F4) are well-known inflammatory cytokines active in the initiation of the inflammatory reaction and in driving Th1 and Th17 inflammatory responses. In contrast, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra; IL-1F3) and IL-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36ra; IL-1F5) reduce inflammation by blocking the binding of the agonist receptor ligands. IL-33 (IL-1F11) is thought to function as an 'alarmin' released following cell necrosis to alerting the immune system to tissue damage or stress. The biological properties of IL-37 (IL-1F7) are mainly those of down-regulating inflammation.