American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What type of cells are primarily responsible for producing IL-1?

1. Neutrophils

2. Macrophages

3. Dendritic cells

4. Mast cells

The correct answer is: Macrophages

The primary cells responsible for producing Interleukin-1 (IL-1) are macrophages. Macrophages are a type of immune cell that plays a critical role in the innate immune response. When activated, they can secrete a variety of cytokines, including IL-1, which is pivotal in mediating inflammatory responses and regulating immune system signaling. IL-1 has two major forms: IL-1α and IL-1β. While both forms can be produced by several cell types, including dendritic cells and mast cells to a lesser extent, macrophages are recognized as the predominant source of IL-1. This cytokine contributes to processes such as fever, the activation of lymphocytes, and enhanced inflammatory responses, making macrophages essential in both the early stages of immune response and the subsequent activation of adaptive immunity. The other options, while relevant to immune responses and cytokine production, do not primarily produce IL-1. Neutrophils primarily release enzymes and other mediators in response to infections but are less involved in IL-1 production. Dendritic cells are crucial in antigen presentation and the activation of T cells but are not the main producers of IL-1. Mast cells are important for allergic reactions and inflammation,