Microglial IL-1β plays a protective role in epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that affect about 50 million people worldwide. Although the exact mechanisms underlying epilepsy remain elusive, it is known that neuroinflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of the disease. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, play a key role in neuroinflammation and are activated in response to seizures. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by microglia and other immune cells. While IL-1β has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, recent studies have revealed a protective role for microglial IL-1β in epilepsy. This paper aims to review the current knowledge about microglial IL-1β and its potential therapeutic implications for epilepsy.