CNS injury: the role of the cytokine IL-1

Injury to the central nervous system (CNS) and the resulting neuronal loss contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in human and domestic animal populations. Most insults induce inflammation and the expression of cytokines. The specific roles of these proteins in neurological damage and repair are not completely understood. However, members of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family have clear therapeutic potential: the IL-1 agonists, IL-1α and IL-1β, are induced by CNS injury, and central injection of IL-1 increases, whilst peripheral or central administration of the IL-1 antagonist, IL-1ra, reduces the extent of the damage by more than 50%. The mechanism of action of these cytokines is the subject of intense research. In this review, we summarise approaches that are being used to investigate neuronal cell death, and the contribution of inflammation and cytokines, in particular the IL-1 family, to neurodegenerative disorders.