A glycoprotein (produced by macrophages in response to presence of Interleukin-1, and endotoxin in tissues) that preferentially binds to those cell receptors in the body that typically bind the lymphokine, Interleukin-1 (IL-1). When manufactured by man (e.g., via genetic engineering) and injected into the body in large quantities. IL-Ira can block the deleterious effects of (too much) Interleukin-1.
A biological medication that disrupts the function of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1, employed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.