IL-1RA

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA, also known as IL-1RN) is a naturally occurring inhibitor of the IL-1 signaling pathway, secreted by monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and hepatocytes in response to inflammatory stimuli. IL-1RA binds to IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1RI) with comparable affinity to IL-1α and IL-1β, yet fails to recruit the IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP), thereby acting as a competitive antagonist that blocks IL-1-driven inflammation. Recombinant IL-1RA (anakinra) is clinically used to treat autoinflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes and Still's disease, highlighting its essential role in limiting IL-1-mediated tissue damage.