# PSS--ROLE OF IL-1 INHIBITOR/FIBROBLAST STIMULATOR

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 1988 · $125,901

## Abstract

The objectives of this project are to unravel the mystery of
scleroderma in order to make possible more effective therapy
and/or preventive measures.  In previous studies we have
described a 6-9,000 molecular weight inhibitor of interleukin-1
(IL-1), produced by human peripheral blood monocytes in culture,
which has the interesting characteristic of acting as a stimulator
of fibroblasts.  Cultured peripheral blood monocytes from patients
with scleroderma produce increased amounts of this IL-1
inhibitor/fibroblast stimulator in comparison with those from
normal individuals.  Our research plan is designed to investigate
this substance to determine if there are other characteristics
which link it to the pathogenic mechanisms involved in
scleroderma.  The studies will include the investigation of
monocyte activation, in relation to production of this inhibitor,
and the characteristics of monocytes which produce increased
amounts of the IL-1 inhibitor/activator.  Various substances
known to activate monocytes, as well as virus infection of
monocytes, will be examined to determine whether any may
selectively cause monocytes to produce this inhibitor, and
whether evidence relates such a substance to scleroderma.  More
distal areas relating to a possible role for this substance in
scleroderma will also be explored.  Production of IL-1, and the
low m.w. IL-1 inhibitor/fibroblast stimulator will be examined in
other inflammatory and fibrotic states to determine if the latter
are associated with selective increases in inhibitor production.
We will also examine the action of this IL-1 inhibitor on
fibroblasts in considerably greater dtail, including its effect on
fibroblast proliferation and secretion of collagen and
glycosaminoglycans.  We also plan to study its effects on other
related IL-1 activities such as stimulation of collagenase
production by fibroblasts.  We will examine tissues to determine
the presence and/or possible production of the inhibitor in
involved tissues in scleroderma and other related conditions, using
a specific monoclonal antibody, or oliogonuclecotide probes now
being developed.  Possible identity with this inhibitor with
scleroderma serum factors previously described as fibroblast
mitogens will also be investigated.  Our long term objective is to
develop methods for early diagnosis, more effective treatment,
cure, or prevention of scleroderma.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3159028
- **Project number:** 1R01AR038974-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **SAM.gov UEI:** MJC5FCYQTPE6
- **Principal Investigator:** GEORGE J FRIOU
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $125,901
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1988-04-01 → 1991-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3159028

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3159028, PSS--ROLE OF IL-1 INHIBITOR/FIBROBLAST STIMULATOR (1R01AR038974-01A1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3159028. Licensed CC0.

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