The history of fever, leukocytic pyrogen and interleukin-1

摘要: There has been great progress in the 30 y since reporting 1984 of cDNA for interleukin1 (IL1) β human and IL1α mouse. However, history IL1 begins early 1940s with investigations into nature an endogenous fever-producing protein released rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. Most researchers immunology today are unaware that field cytokines, particularly inflammatory cytokines. Toll-like receptors innate immunity traces back to studies on fever. Researchers infectious diseases wanted know about caused fever, independent infection. The was called by various names: granulocyte, or leukocytic pyrogen. It is a fascinating sometimes controversial story biology medicine treatment diseases. Few imagined this would play such major role nearly every cell most This paper reviews true background milestones from purification pyrogen first IL1β validation cytokine ill-defined factors its present day importance.