Educational Information
What are Cytokines?
Cytokines are small proteins that are crucial for cell signaling in the immune system and play a key role in the regulation of immune responses, inflammation, and hematopoiesis (the formation of blood cells). They are produced by a variety of cells, including immune cells such as macrophages, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells, as well as non-immune cells like fibroblasts and endothelial cells.
Cytokines can be classified into several categories based on their functions:
1. Pro-inflammatory cytokines: These promote inflammation and help initiate the immune response. Examples include interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
2. Anti-inflammatory cytokines: These help regulate and resolve inflammation. Examples include interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β).
3. Chemokines: A subset of cytokines that specifically attract immune cells to sites of infection or injury.
4. Growth factors: These cytokines promote cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Examples include granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and erythropoietin (EPO).
Cytokines exert their effects by binding to specific receptors on target cells, leading to various biological responses such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis (programmed cell death). Dysregulation of cytokine production or signaling can lead to various diseases, including autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammatory conditions, and cancers.