interleukin-1

noun

in·​ter·​leu·​kin-1 ˌin-tər-ˈlü-kən-ˈwən How to pronounce interleukin-1 (audio)
: an interleukin produced especially by monocytes and macrophages that regulates immune responses by activating lymphocytes and mediates other biological processes (such as the onset of fever) usually associated with infection and inflammation
abbreviation IL-1

Examples of interleukin-1 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the interleukin-1 beta was blocked with an antibody, the effect of air-pollution exposure was attenuated. Siddhartha Mukherjee, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2023 Apart from a surge in interleukin-6, the body may also show high swirling levels of molecules called interleukin-1, interferon-gamma, C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interleukin-1 was in 1979

Dictionary Entries Near interleukin-1

Cite this Entry

“Interleukin-1.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interleukin-1. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

interleukin-1

noun
: an interleukin produced especially by monocytes and macrophages that regulates cell-mediated and humoral immune responses by activating lymphocytes and mediates other biological processes (as the onset of fever) usually associated with infection and inflammation
abbreviation IL-1
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