interleukin-1

noun

in·ter·leu·kin-1 ˌin-tər-ˈlü-kən-ˈwən

: an interleukin produced especially by monocytes and macrophages that regulates immune responses by activating lymphocytes and mediates other biological processes (such as the onset of fever) usually associated with infection and inflammation

—abbreviation IL-1

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Apart from a surge in interleukin-6, the body may also show high swirling levels of molecules called interleukin-1, interferon-gamma, C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. —

Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interleukin-1.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of interleukin-1 was in 1979

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Interleukin-1.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interleukin-1. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

interleukin-1

noun

-ˈwən

: an interleukin produced especially by monocytes and macrophages that regulates cell-mediated and humoral immune responses by activating lymphocytes and mediates other biological processes (as the onset of fever) usually associated with infection and inflammation

—abbreviation IL-1