IL1B
Interleukin 1 Beta
Gene Number: 3553
Location: 2q14
Key Functions: Pro-inflammatory signaling, fever induction, immune system activation
The IL1B gene, located on chromosome 2q14, encodes interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), one of the most powerful mediators of inflammation in the human body. As a member of the interleukin-1 cytokine family, IL-1β serves as a key molecular signal linking innate immune activation to systemic inflammatory responses such as fever, leukocyte recruitment, and acute-phase protein synthesis.
IL-1β is initially synthesized as pro–IL-1β, an inactive cytosolic precursor requiring proteolytic cleavage by caspase-1 to become active. This activation occurs within the inflammasome complex, most commonly the NLRP3 inflammasome, which acts as the molecular gatekeeper of IL-1β maturation.
SNP ID | Your Genotype | Alt Allele | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
rs16944 | Analyze your DNA to see your genotype | G | Analyze your DNA to see a personalized result. |
rs16944
GG –Elevated IL-1β and LPS response; associated with increased cortisol resistance; increased (~2x or less) risk for certain mental disorders (R).
AG – Intermediate IL-1β activity (R).
AA –Lower IL-1β activity; increased risk (~3x) for osteoarthritis (R).
Functional effect: The G allele upregulates IL-1β expression in response to immune triggers, enhancing pro-inflammatory signaling and increasing vulnerability to autoimmune and stress-related conditions.
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