Mice deficient in IL-1 beta-converting enzyme are defective in production of mature IL-1 beta and resistant to endotoxic shock.

Li, P; Allen, H; Banerjee, S; Franklin, S; Herzog, L; Johnston, C; McDowell, J; Paskind, M et al. · Cell · 1995

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

IL-1 beta-converting enzyme (ICE) cleaves pro-IL-1 beta to generate mature IL-1 beta. ICE is homologous to other proteins that have been implicated in apoptosis, including CED-3 and Nedd-2/lch-1. We generated ICE-deficient mice and observed that they are overtly normal but have a major defect in the production of mature IL-1 beta after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. IL-1 alpha production is also impaired. ICE-deficient mice are resistant to endotoxic shock. Thymocytes and macrophages from the ICE-deficient animals undergo apoptosis normally. ICE therefore plays a dominant role in the generation of mature IL-1 beta, a previously unsuspected role in production of IL-1 alpha, but has no autonomous function in apoptosis.

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