Which Interleukin-1 form is more important in atherosclerosis?

Does endothelial interleukin 1 alpha or beta drive inflammatory mechanisms in experimental atherosclerosis? 

A partnership between Dr Sheila Francis at the University of Sheffield and Dr Emmanuel Pinteaux at the University of Manchester has been awarded nearly £300,000 over three years to investigate the role of interleukins in coronary heart disease. Interleukin 1 is a molecule which causes inflammation that can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis inside vessel walls. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty plaques build up inside artery walls. If a plaque ruptures and causes a blood clot in arteries supplying the heart or brain, a heart attack or stroke can occur, respectively. Understanding how atherosclerosis may be slowed or prevented will help researchers develop better medicines for patients with this condition. Interleukin 1 exists in two forms, called alpha and beta, and researchers do not yet fully know which is the most important form in the development of atherosclerosis. A clinical trial has previously shown that a drug called Anakinra can block the action of both forms of interleukin 1, reducing inflammation present after a heart attack. But to develop more targeted treatments, we need to know which form is most important. The researchers will study three different types of mice that have been genetically engineered: mice which cannot interact with either form of interleukin and mice with either only interleukin alpha or interleukin beta present in the blood vessel wall. They will analyse the development of atherosclerosis in these mice in order to identify which is the most promising form to target with new treatments.