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Cytokines

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Cytokines are low molecular weight extracellular signalling proteins secreted by specific cells. Their effect is generally paracrine: altering the behaviour of cells in their close proximity. However, they may also act in an endocrine or autocrine manner.

They are secreted by a vast range of cells; those secreted by lymphocytes are termed lymphokines; cytokines secreted by monocytes are termed monokines.

Cytokines have an ever-increasing array of functions: most are centred around immune and inflammatory responses. Their is frequent overlap and interaction of effects.

Examples include:

  • tumour necrosis factor, cachectin
  • interleukins 1 to 8
  • transforming growth factor beta
  • platelet-derived growth factor
  • interferons
  • colony stimulating factors

Therapeutic use of cytokines is becoming more common; examples include:

  • GM-CSF in restoring normal neutrophil counts after bone marrow transplants or chemotherapy
  • interferons in a range of malignancies and chronic granulomatous disease

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