IL-1β
Central effector cytokine
- Expression
- Elevated
- Evidence level
- established
- Targeted by
- Anakinra, Canakinumab, Rilonacept
Role in pathogenesis
IL-1beta is the key downstream cytokine driving all FMF clinical features. Produced by caspase-1 cleavage of pro-IL-1beta upon pyrin inflammasome activation. Drives fever, serositis, neutrophil recruitment, and acute-phase response. Confirmed by dramatic efficacy of IL-1 blockade (anakinra, canakinumab) in colchicine-resistant patients.
Targeting drugs (3)
| Drug | Mechanism | Response | Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anakinra | IL-1 receptor antagonist | 76.5% complete response | 2nd |
| Canakinumab | Anti-IL-1beta monoclonal antibody | 67.5% complete response | 2nd |
| Rilonacept | IL-1 trap (soluble decoy receptor) | Moderate | 3rd |