Interleukin-1 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine with multiple biological effects. The IL-1 gene family encodes three proteins: IL-1α, IL-1β and their naturally occurring inhibitor Il-1RN. IL-1 Beta(IL-1β), mainly produced by blood monocytes and tissue macrophages, has been implicated in mediating both acute and chronic inflammation. IL-1β is known to be involved in a variety of cellular activities, including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. IL-1β is emerging as a key mediator of carcinogenesis that characterizes host-environment interactions. Human IL-1β is synthesized as a 31 kDa precursor. To gain activity, the precursor must be cleaved by caspase-1 between Asp116 and Ala117 to yield a 17 kDa mature form.