Interleukinele

Interleukinele are a family of cytokines produced by leukocytes and other cells that regulate immune and inflammatory responses. They act as mediators of communication between immune cells, influencing growth, differentiation, and activation of lymphocytes and other leukocytes. Most literature refers to them by the prefix IL- followed by a number, such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-12, or IL-17.

Interleukinele signal through specific receptors and commonly activate signaling pathways such as JAK-STAT, MAPK, and NF-κB. Effects are pleiotropic and context dependent, so the same interleukin can promote or limit inflammation depending on dose, cell type, and environment.

Biological roles include coordinating innate and adaptive immunity, promoting fever and acute-phase responses, supporting hematopoiesis, and guiding T helper cell differentiation (Th1, Th2, Th17) and B cell activation. They participate in tissue repair and remodeling and are involved in allergic and autoimmune processes when dysregulated.

Clinical relevance is marked by associations with autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and sepsis. Therapeutic strategies include blocking interleukin activity or its receptors, for example anakinra (IL-1 receptor antagonist), canakinumab (anti-IL-1β), and tocilizumab (IL-6 receptor). Other interleukins, such as IL-17 inhibitors, are used for psoriasis and related conditions. Recombinant IL-2 is used in select cancer immunotherapies.

In laboratory settings, interleukins are measured by ELISA or multiplex bead assays to study immune function, inflammatory status, and response to therapies. The interleukin family comprises dozens of members, reflecting its central role in immune signaling.