interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a small protein produced by immune cells that plays a key role in the body's inflammatory response. When the body detects infection or injury, IL-1β is released to help coordinate defenses such as increasing blood flow, activating other immune cells, and producing fever. While essential for fighting infections, excessive or uncontrolled IL-1β production can contribute to chronic inflammation and related diseases. It acts as a signaling molecule, alerting the immune system to initiate and amplify the inflammatory process to protect the body.