Interleukin-1 alpha, human recombinant

Summary

Human recombinant interleukin-1 alpha (hrIL-1α) is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine produced primarily by macrophages, monocytes, and epithelial cells. It plays central roles in innate immunity, inflammation, hematopoiesis, and fever induction. As a recombinant protein it is primarily used as a research reagent and has been investigated clinically as an adjuvant for hematopoietic recovery following chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation. It is distinct from IL-1β and shares the same receptor but differs in processing and secretion mechanisms.

Mechanism of Action

Binds to interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI) on target cells, activating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, promoting pro-inflammatory gene transcription, immune cell activation, fever, and hematopoietic stimulation.

Routes of Administration

Goals & Uses

• Cancer immunotherapy adjuvantOncology / ImmunologyLow
• Hematopoietic recovery after chemotherapyOncology / HematologyModerate
• Wound healing / tissue repair (research)Regenerative Medicine / ResearchLow
• Research: inflammatory pathway modelingBasic Science / ResearchHigh

Contraindications

• 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
• HypotensionCardiovascularCommonLow blood pressure
• Fever and chillsConstitutionalCommon
• Nausea and vomitingGastrointestinalCommon
• Bone pain / arthralgiaMusculoskeletalUncommon

Drug Interactions

• Anakinra (IL-1Ra)High
• Canakinumab / Rilonacept (anti-IL-1 biologics)Moderate
• NSAIDsLowMay increase renal risk in susceptible patients
• CorticosteroidsModerate

Population Constraints

• Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
• Pregnant or breastfeeding womenReproductiveRelative
• Immunocompromised patientsImmunologicRelative
• Patients with renal or hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative

Regulatory Status

• European UnionUnapprovedNo EMA marketing authorization. Used only in research settings.
• United StatesUnapprovedNo FDA-approved therapeutic indication. Available as a research reagent. Clinical development largely discontinued after 1990s trials.
• 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

No sources recorded yet.