Põletikutsütokiinid

Põletikutsütokiinid, also known as pro-inflammatory cytokines, are a group of proteins that play a crucial role in the immune response. They are released by immune cells, such as macrophages and T cells, in response to infection, injury, or other stimuli. The primary function of pro-inflammatory cytokines is to initiate and amplify the inflammatory response, which is the body's way of defending against pathogens and repairing damaged tissues.

Some of the most well-known pro-inflammatory cytokines include interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). These cytokines signal other immune cells to migrate to the site of infection or injury, promote the production of acute-phase proteins, and enhance the activity of phagocytic cells. They also contribute to the development of fever and the release of acute-phase reactants, which are proteins produced by the liver in response to inflammation.

However, excessive or prolonged production of pro-inflammatory cytokines can lead to chronic inflammation, which is associated with various diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines is a key area of research in immunology and medicine.