Interleukiineihin

Interleukiineihin are a group of cytokines that are crucial for cell signaling, particularly within the immune system. The term "interleukin" was originally coined to describe substances released by leukocytes (white blood cells) that could act on other leukocytes. However, their functions have since been found to extend beyond this initial definition, and they are now known to be produced by a wide variety of cell types and to affect a broad range of cells and tissues.

Interleukiins are involved in a vast array of biological processes. They play key roles in regulating immune responses, including the differentiation, proliferation, and activation of lymphocytes and other immune cells. They are also involved in inflammation, wound healing, hematopoiesis (the formation of blood cellular components), and even the development of certain diseases. The specific effects of an interleukin depend on its type, the cell it acts upon, and the cellular context.

There are many different interleukins, each designated by a number (e.g., IL-1, IL-2, IL-6). They are classified based on their structural similarities and their biological functions. For example, some interleukins are pro-inflammatory, promoting inflammation, while others are anti-inflammatory, helping to resolve inflammation. Research into interleukins continues to reveal their complex roles in health and disease, making them important targets for therapeutic interventions in conditions ranging from autoimmune diseases and cancer to infections.