The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the interleukin 1 cytokine family. This cytokine is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in various immune responses, inflammatory processes, and hematopoiesis. This cytokine is produced by monocytes and macrophages as a proprotein, which is proteolytically processed and released in response to cell injury, and thus induces apoptosis. This gene and eight other interleukin 1 family genes form a cytokine gene cluster on chromosome 2. It has been suggested that the polymorphism of these genes is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease.,IL1A,IL-1A,IL1,IL1-ALPHA,IL1F1,Cell Biology & Developmental Biology,Apoptosis,Growth factor,Endocrine & Metabolism,Endocrine and metabolic diseases,Obesity,Immunology & Inflammation,Cytokines,Interleukins,NF-kB Signaling Pathway,Cell Intrinsic Innate Immunity Signaling Pathway,Neuroscience,Neurodegenerative Diseases,IL1A