[11] Biallelic deleterious mutations in the IL1RN gene results in a rare autoinflammatory disease called deficiency of the interleukin-1–receptor antagonist (DIRA).

The IL-1RA mRNA reduces pain and joint inflammation by blocking inflammatory cascade signals that lead to osteoarthritis progression.

[16] A recombinant, slightly modified version of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist called anakinra is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which IL-1 plays a key role.

[17] Anakinra differs from native human IL-1RA in that it has the addition of a single methionine residue at its amino terminus [18] The cytoplasmic and secreted isoforms of IL-1RA can suppress tumors such as squamous cell carcinoma.

The cytoplasmic isoform can protect epithelial cells from environmental factors and compete with IL1A in binding with receptors preventing activation.