Interleukin-1 beta (IL1 beta or IL1B) also known as catabolin, is a member of the interleukin 1 cytokine family. The interleukin-1 system (IL-1) is a prominent pro-inflammatory pathway responsible for the initiation and regulation of immune responses, but it has also received much attention for its pleiotropic neuromodulator effects under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. In particular, its main cytokine ligand, IL-1β, has emerged as a key regulator of the ethanol-induced neuroimmune response, contributing to ethanol drinking and the development of ethanol dependence. Human genetic studies have found polymorphisms in genes encoding components of the IL-1β signaling pathway and IL-1β associated with increased susceptibility to alcoholism, and IL-1β levels are elevated in the periphery and brain of alcoholic patients. Therefore, elucidating the mechanistic role of IL-1β in ethanol drinking and dependence is critical for understanding disease progression, as well as for the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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