American Society of Hirudotherapy

The IL-1 cytokine family and its role in inflammation and fibrosis in the lung

Review published in Seminars in immunopathology (2016)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewDrug DevelopmentBorthwick LA · Seminars in immunopathology, 2016

Abstract

The IL-1 cytokine family comprises 11 members (7 ligands with agonist activity, 3 receptor antagonists and 1 anti-inflammatory cytokine) and is recognised as a key mediator of inflammation and fibrosis in multiple tissues including the lung. IL-1 targeted therapies have been successfully employed to treat a range of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gouty arthritis. This review will introduce the members of the IL-1 cytokine family, briefly discuss the cellular origins and cellular targets and provide an overview of the role of these molecules in inflammation and fibrosis in the lung.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReviewResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsCytokinesFibrosisHumansInflammationInflammation MediatorsInterleukin-1Lung DiseasesReceptors, Interleukin-1Risk FactorsSignal Transduction

Summary

The IL-1 cytokine family comprises 11 members (7 ligands with agonist activity, 3 receptor antagonists and 1 anti-inflammatory cytokine) and is recognised as a key mediator of inflammation and fibrosis in multiple tissues including the lung.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review examines the IL-1 cytokine family—11 members including 7 agonist ligands, 3 receptor antagonists, and 1 anti-inflammatory cytokine—as key mediators of inflammation and fibrosis in the lung, noting that IL-1-targeted therapies have been used for rheumatoid arthritis and gouty arthritis. The article has no connection to hirudotherapy, leech therapy, or the leech secretome; the abstract does not mention leeches, hirudin, or any leech-derived compounds. While the general biology of inflammation and fibrosis could theoretically provide background context for understanding conditions sometimes addressed by complementary approaches, this is purely speculative and unsupported by the abstract. The relevance to ASH's core domain is absent.

Citation

The IL-1 cytokine family and its role in inflammation and fibrosis in the lung

Borthwick LA · Seminars in immunopathology, 2016

DOI

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