IL-1-alpha

Definition / meaning of IL-1-alpha

One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. IL-1-alpha, one form of IL-1, is made mainly by one type of white blood cell, the macrophage, and helps another type of white blood cell, the lymphocyte, fight infections. It also helps leukocytes pass through blood vessel walls to sites of infection and causes fever by affecting areas of the brain that control body temperature. The other form of IL-1, IL-1-beta, acts the same as IL-1-alpha. IL-1-alpha made in the laboratory is used as a biological response modifier to boost the immune system in cancer therapy. IL-1-alpha is a type of cytokine. Also called IL-1-alfa, interleukin-1-alfa, and interleukin-1-alpha.

Listed under:

Find More About 'IL-1-alpha'

Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

Leave a Comment

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.