The role of IL-1β in aortic aneurysm

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a vital cytokine that plays an important role in regulating immune responses to infectious challenges and sterile insults. In addition, two endogenous inhibitors of functional receptor binding, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), complete the family. To gain biological activity, IL-1β requires processing by the protease caspase-1 and activation of inflammasomes. Numerous clinical association studies and experimental approaches have implicated members of the IL-1 family, their receptors, or components of the processing machinery in the underlying processes of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the pro-inflammatory and disease-modulating role of the IL-1 family in aneurysm. We discuss clinical evidence, signalling pathway, and mechanism of action and last, lend a perspective on currently developing therapeutic strategies involving IL-1β in aneurysm.

Swell, or Not Too Swell: Cytokines Regulate Arterial Aneurysm Formation

Arterial remodeling participates pivotally in many diseases including arterial aneurysms. In this issue of Immunity, Da Ros et al. (2017) report that, in experimental aortic aneurysm formation, neutralization of interleukin-1β reduced arterial wall stiffness and hampered aneurysm development.