antiIL1

Anti-IL-1 refers to therapies that inhibit interleukin-1, a proinflammatory cytokine involved in innate immune responses. IL-1 exists mainly as IL-1α and IL-1β, which signal through the IL-1 receptor to promote fever, leukocytosis, and acute-phase responses. Anti-IL-1 strategies include receptor antagonists that block IL-1 from binding the receptor, neutralizing antibodies against IL-1β, and fusion proteins that trap IL-1 ligands.

Clinical agents include anakinra, a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist given by daily subcutaneous injection; canakinumab, a monoclonal antibody against IL-1β given at intervals of weeks; and rilonacept, a soluble decoy receptor that binds IL-1α and IL-1β. These drugs vary in pharmacology, dosing, and approved indications, but share a goal of reducing inflammatory signals mediated by IL-1.

Approved and widely used for autoinflammatory syndromes such as cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), familial Mediterranean fever, TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), and hyper-IgD syndrome, as well as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult-onset Still's disease. Off-label or expanded-use applications include various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions in which IL-1 is implicated, and occasional use in gout flares or recurrent pericarditis under specialist care.

Common adverse effects include increased risk of serious infections, injection site reactions, and neutropenia with some agents. Vaccination status should be assessed before initiation; live vaccines are typically avoided during treatment. Therapy requires clinical monitoring for efficacy and safety, and discontinuation may be necessary if infection occurs or if contraindications arise.

Beyond approved indications, anti-IL-1 therapy is the subject of ongoing research, including cardiovascular risk reduction and other inflammatory diseases. The use of IL-1 inhibitors highlights the role of cytokine signaling in human inflammation and the potential of targeted biologics to modify disease activity.