What are the importance of cytokines?

What are the importance of cytokines?

They act through receptors, and are especially important in the immune system; cytokines modulate the balance between humoral and cell-based immune responses, and they regulate the maturation, growth, and responsiveness of particular cell populations.

What is the function of cytokines in the immune system?

The primary function of cytokines is to regulate inflammation, and as such, play a vital role in regulating the immune response in health and disease. There are proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

What is the function of interferons?

Interferons were first described as an antiviral factor that interferes with viral replication in mammalian cells (10). They are secreted from infected cells and activate innate immune response that promotes not only cytokine production but also natural killer cell functions and antigen presentation (11, 12).

Why are interferons so important?

Interferons (IFNs) constitute the first line of defense against microbial infections particularly against viruses. They provide antiviral properties to cells by inducing the expression of hundreds of genes known as interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs).

What are the benefits of interferons?

What are the benefits? Interferons are man-made versions of proteins your body makes. These drugs work with your immune system to help it find and attack viruses and cancer. They can stop virus and cancer cells from growing and spreading, and prevent other cells from getting infected.

What are the main functions of cytokines?

Cytokines: Functions and Actions of Cytokines (With Figures) | i. Synergy: Two or more cytokines may act on one cell. ii. Antagonism: Two or more cytokines may act on one cell. iii. Pleiotropy: A cytokin has different actions on different cell types. iv. Redundant: Two or more cytokines that moderate similar functions on a cell are said to be redundant. v.

What are the uses of cytokines?

Cytokines are used as therapeutic agents in treating persons with cancer and immunodeficiency disorders and those undergoing organ transplantation. Cytokines in conjunction with certain vaccines can enhance the vaccines’ effectiveness.

Which cells produce cytokines?

Cytokines are produced by a broad range of cells, including immune cells like macrophages, B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and mast cells, as well as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and various stromal cells; a given cytokine may be produced by more than one type of cell. See Full Answer.

What role do cytokines play in autoimmune diseases?

Cytokines play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The precise triggers for the breakdown of self-tolerance and the subsequent events leading to the induction of pathogenic autoimmune responses remain to be defined for most of the naturally occurring autoimmune diseases.