Cytokines are small proteins vital in cell signaling, notably in the immune system. These signaling molecules are secreted by many types of cells, including immune cells, and serve as messengers to control the body's response to infection, inflammation, and trauma. Cytokines can have diverse functions, such as promoting cell growth, activating immune responses, and regulating inflammatory pathways. They are involved in coordinating the body's defense against pathogens and also contribute to the development of certain diseases.
Interferons
Interferons are a class of signaling proteins that are created and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens like parasites bacteria, viruses, or tumor cells. They are critical in the body's defense against viral infections, limiting viral replication and stimulating antiviral immune responses. Interferons also have immunomodulatory functions, such as enhancing antigen presentation and activating natural killer cells.
Chemokines
Chemokines are small proteins involved in regulating the stimulation and migration of immune cells. They participate in various immune processes, such as immune cell recruitment, inflammation, and tissue repair. Chemokines recruit immune cells to the region of infection or inflammation, helping to coordinate the immune response.
Interleukins
Interleukins are a large group of cytokines that are produced by various immune cells, such as leukocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes. They play diverse roles in regulating immune responses, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Interleukins can stimulate the growth and activation of different immune cell populations, regulate antibody production, and modulate inflammatory responses.
Tumor necrosis factors
Tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) are cytokines that regulate inflammation, immune responses, and apoptosis. They are generated by a variety of immune cells, such as natural killer cells, T cells, and macrophages. TNF-alpha, the most well-known TNF, plays a central role in mediating inflammatory responses and can induce apoptosis in certain cell types.
Colony-stimulating factors
Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are a group of glycoproteins that regulate the production, differentiation, and function of myeloid and lymphoid cells in the bone marrow. They are produced by various cell types, including macrophages, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. CSFs stimulate the growth and maturation of specific blood cell lineages, such as granulocytes, monocytes, and erythrocytes, and are important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
Cytokine receptors are cell surface proteins that bind cytokines and mediate their effects on target cells. These receptors belong to various families, including the immunoglobulin superfamily (e.g., IL-1 receptor), the hematopoietic receptor family (e.g., IL-2 receptor), the TNF receptor family (e.g., TNF receptor), and the chemokine receptor family (e.g., CCR5 for chemokines). Upon cytokine binding, these receptors typically undergo conformational changes that activate intracellular signaling pathways, leading to cellular responses like proliferation, differentiation, survival, or apoptosis, thus orchestrating immune and inflammatory responses.
Fig.1 The interactions of different types of immune cells via cytokines.1
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