Interleukin 1 beta(IL1B) Homo sapiens The protein encoded by this gene is a member of theinterleukin 1 cytokine family. This cytokine is produced by activated macrophages as a proprotein,which is proteolytically processed to its active form by caspase 1 (CASP1/ICE). This cytokine isan important mediator of the inflammatory response, and is involved in a variety of cellularactivities, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The induction ofcyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2/COX2) by this cytokine in the central nervous system (CNS) is foundto contribute to inflammatory pain hypersensitivity. This gene and eight other interleukin 1 familygenes form a cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 2.

IL1B; IL1F2; Interleukin-1 beta; IL-1 beta; Catabolin.