Interleukin-1 Beta Unit Converter

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, a type of signaling protein that helps regulate the body's immune and inflammatory responses. It is one of the most potent drivers of inflammation in the innate immune system.

IL-1β is produced as an inactive precursor called pro-IL-1β. It becomes active only after being cleaved by an enzyme called caspase-1 within a protein complex known as the NLRP3 inflammasome. This tightly controlled activation prevents unnecessary inflammation.

In healthy individuals, circulating IL-1β levels are typically very low or undetectable. Elevated levels signal active inflammation and are measured in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). This test is primarily used to support the understanding of immune, infectious, allergic, or inflammatory disorders.

IL-1β is produced primarily by monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells throughout the body. Neutrophils can also produce it through inflammasome-independent pathways using proteases such as elastase and proteinase-3.