Interleukin-1 alpha, human recombinant
Also known as: Hematopoietin-1 (partial), hrIL-1α, IL-1 alpha, IL-1α, IL‑1α, Interleukin-1 alpha, recombinant human interleukin‑1 alpha, rIL‑1α
Source Interleukin-1 alpha, human recombinant at Peptiology
Save 10% with code PEPTI-BOSSRABBIT-10
Affiliate link: we earn a commission on purchases made through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Tapping Shop Now & Save 10% copies your 10% off code PEPTI-BOSSRABBIT-10 to your clipboard. Paste it at the Peptiology checkout to claim the discount.
Summary
Human recombinant interleukin‑1 alpha (IL‑1α) is a laboratory‑produced version of a natural cytokine belonging to the interleukin‑1 family. It acts as a potent pro‑inflammatory mediator and is employed chiefly in research to explore immune signaling, inflammation, and cytokine‑driven disease mechanisms. The compound is not approved for therapeutic use; its primary applications are in vitro assays, animal models, and diagnostic tests such as those for drug‑induced pneumonitis.
Mechanism of Action
IL‑1α binds to the type I interleukin‑1 receptor (IL‑1RI) on target cells, triggering intracellular cascades that activate NF‑κB and MAP‑kinase pathways. This leads to transcription of genes encoding additional inflammatory mediators, fever, leukocyte recruitment, and acute‑phase proteins. The cytokine exists in membrane‑bound and secreted forms and, unlike the receptor antagonist IL‑1ra, elicits full cellular activation rather than blocking the receptor.
What the Research Shows
The literature identifies IL‑1α as a pivotal pro‑inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases. Studies of IL‑1 receptor antagonist (IL‑1ra) highlight that both IL‑1α and IL‑1β drive arthritis, sepsis, graft‑versus‑host disease, and inflammatory bowel disease in animal models, suggesting that modulation of IL‑1 signaling can alter disease outcomes. Drug‑induced pneumonitis testing frequently cites cytokines such as IL‑1α as part of the immune response measured by lymphocyte stimulation assays. However, the abstracts do not report clinical trials of recombinant IL‑1α itself; its role remains confined to experimental and diagnostic contexts.
Reported Benefits
Evidence supports IL‑1α as a valuable research tool for dissecting inflammatory pathways, evaluating cytokine‑driven disease models, and serving as a component in diagnostic assays that assess drug‑induced lung toxicity. Its use can help clarify the contribution of IL‑1 signaling in animal studies of arthritis, sepsis, and graft‑versus‑host disease.
Limitations of the Evidence
No clinical efficacy data exist for recombinant IL‑1α, and the compound is not approved for therapeutic indications. Its strong pro‑inflammatory activity limits its utility to controlled experimental settings. The existing literature provides limited insight into optimal dosing, pharmacokinetics, or long‑term effects in humans, creating uncertainty for any translational application.
Safety Considerations
Because IL‑1α is a potent inflammatory cytokine, exposure can provoke systemic inflammation and has been associated with lung injury in the context of drug‑induced pneumonitis, where cytokines including IL‑1α contribute to tissue damage. Caution is advised when handling the recombinant protein, and studies should monitor for fever, leukocytosis, and respiratory symptoms. No specific adverse‑event rates are reported for recombinant IL‑1α in humans.
How It Is Administered
Recombinant human IL‑1α is administered experimentally via intravenous or subcutaneous routes, typically formulated in sterile aqueous solutions suitable for injection. The compound is used in research laboratories rather than in clinical practice, and dosing regimens are defined by individual study protocols rather than standardized therapeutic guidelines.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Induce acute inflammation for researchExperimentalHigh
- Cancer immunotherapy adjuvantOncology / ImmunologyModerate
- Hematopoietic recovery after chemotherapyOncology / HematologyModerate
- Wound healing / tissue repair (research)Regenerative Medicine / ResearchLow
- Research: inflammatory pathway modelingBasic Science / ResearchHigh
Contraindications
- Severe systemic inflammationClinical ConditionHigh
- Cardiovascular instability / hypotensionCardiovascularHigh
- Active serious infection or sepsisInfectious DiseaseHigh
- Autoimmune or inflammatory disease (active flare)ImmunologyHigh
- Hypersensitivity to IL-1α or E. coli-derived proteinsAllergy / ImmunologyHigh
Adverse Effects
- Cytokine release syndromeImmunologicUncommonSystemic inflammatory response from immune activation
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- Local injection site reactionLocalCommon
- HypotensionCardiovascularUncommonLow blood pressure
- Fever and chillsConstitutionalCommon
- Nausea and vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
- FeverSystemicCommonElevated body temperature
- Bone pain / arthralgiaMusculoskeletalUncommon
Drug Interactions
- Anakinra (IL-1Ra)High
- Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)Low
- Canakinumab / Rilonacept (anti-IL-1 biologics)Moderate
- NSAIDsLowMay increase renal risk in susceptible patients
- CorticosteroidsModerate
Population Constraints
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- pediatric subjectsAgeRelative
- Pregnant or breastfeeding womenReproductiveRelative
- Immunocompromised patientsImmunologicRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
- Patients with renal or hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionInvestigationalSupplied for research under clinical trial authorization.
- United StatesInvestigationalAvailable only for IND‑approved clinical studies.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNo MHRA approval. Available commercially as a research-grade recombinant protein.
No currently approved therapeutic indication in the US, EU, or UK. Clinical trials were conducted in the 1990s–2000s for hematopoietic stimulation and cancer adjuvant therapy but development was largely discontinued due to toxicity. Used widely as a laboratory/research reagent. Not to be confused with Anakinra (IL-1Ra antagonist) or Canakinumab (anti-IL-1β antibody).
Evidence & Sources
- Journal ArticleModerateKondo A1999-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateBresnihan B, Cunnane G1998-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateAbbondante S, et al.2023-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
- Journal ArticleModerateArend WP1993-01-01T00:00:00.000000Z
Frequently Asked Questions
What is recombinant human IL‑1α used for?
It is used as a research reagent to study inflammatory signaling, model disease processes in animals, and as part of diagnostic assays that measure cytokine activity, such as tests for drug‑induced pneumonitis.
Is IL‑1α an approved drug for any disease?
No. The recombinant cytokine is classified as a research compound and has not received regulatory approval for therapeutic use in any indication.
Can IL‑1α cause harmful side effects?
Yes. As a strong pro‑inflammatory mediator, it can induce systemic inflammation and has been linked to lung injury in pneumonitis models, so studies must monitor for fever, immune activation, and respiratory complications.
How is IL‑1α administered in studies?
In experimental settings it is delivered by intravenous or subcutaneous injection, prepared in sterile solution, with dosing determined by the specific protocol of each study.
Why is IL‑1α important for inflammation research?
IL‑1α is a key cytokine that activates IL‑1RI, leading to NF‑κB and MAP‑kinase signaling. Understanding its actions helps elucidate mechanisms of diseases such as arthritis, sepsis, and graft‑versus‑host disease, and informs the development of antagonists like IL‑1ra.
What is Interleukin-1 alpha, human recombinant used for?
Interleukin-1 alpha, human recombinant is educationally associated with: Induce acute inflammation for research, Cancer immunotherapy adjuvant, Hematopoietic recovery after chemotherapy, Wound healing / tissue repair (research), Research: inflammatory pathway modeling. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Interleukin-1 alpha, human recombinant administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intratumoral, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Interleukin-1 alpha, human recombinant?
Reported adverse effects include: Cytokine release syndrome, Injection site reactions, Local injection site reaction, Hypotension, Fever and chills, Nausea and vomiting, Fever, Bone pain / arthralgia. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Interleukin-1 alpha, human recombinant?
Recorded contraindications: Severe systemic inflammation, Cardiovascular instability / hypotension, Active serious infection or sepsis, Autoimmune or inflammatory disease (active flare), Hypersensitivity to IL-1α or E. coli-derived proteins. Consult a qualified clinician before use.