| Abstract: | The study of cytokine‐deficient mice has provided important information for a better understanding of inflammatory processes. In this report, the characterization of mice deficient for various components of the interleukin (IL)‐1 system is reviewed. Results obtained by studying mice deficient for IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐1 receptor antagonist, IL‐1 receptor type I, IL‐1 receptor accessory protein, IL‐1 receptor‐associated kinase, and the IL‐1β‐converting enzyme caspase‐1 are summarized. Because some of the components of the IL‐1 system are shared with IL‐18, similarities between IL‐1β and IL‐18 are also discussed. |
