Research progress in the mechanism of IL-1α maturation and secretion

Abstract:

Interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α) is a cytokine of the interleukin 1 family which is existed in many kinds of cells. It is a widespread multiple functional signaling molecule. As an important transcription factor inside the cell, IL-1α can regulate cell growth and differentiation; and secreted extracellular IL-1α can be involved in the host inflammatory responses. Furthermore, IL-1α plays distinct roles in the occurrence and development of cancer and various diseases. Although both the proform and the cleaved form of IL-1α are biologically active, the activity of cleaved form is more enhanced. IL-1α is a potential candidate target for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Therefore, researchers have paid much attention to the mechanism of IL-1α maturation and secretion. Recent studies have shown that the maturation and secretion of IL-1α are modulated by intracellular calcium concentration and calpain activation. Inflammasome and other signaling pathways might also be involved. In this review, the latest research progresses in the structure and function, the mechanism of maturation and secretion of IL-1α and the relevant diseases are discussed.