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cytokines
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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
Last reviewed 01/2018
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