IL1A and infection: Inflammation is a protective host response required for resistance to infection, though in response to tissue injury inflammation can also contribute to damage.1 Inflammatory cytokines associated with damaging inflammatory responses include members of the IL (interleukin)-1 family, IL-1α, and IL-1β.1 Evidence from preclinical models of stroke suggests IL-1 contributes to a worsening of ischemic brain injury.2 IL-1 activation and release from activated immune cells is regulated by a protein complex called the inflammasome.