Biology and molecular biology of epidermal cell-derived thymocyte activating factor.

ETAF/IL-1 has a multiplicity of divergent biological effects: enhancement of thymocyte proliferation, stimulation of cells in the hypothalamus to mediate fever, leukocyte chemotaxis, stimulation of hepatic synthesis of acute-phase proteins, augmentation of IL-2 production and keratinocyte proliferation. Until recently, it has not been possible to determine whether these divergent activities are mediated by closely related cytokines or separate cytokines. Now with the identification of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-1k from keratinocytes, these studies will become possible. In either case, it is likely that ETAF/IL-1 plays an important role in local cutaneous and systemic inflammatory and immunological events.