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cytokines

Cytokines are a group of small proteins that are produced by various cells of the immune system and play a crucial role in the regulation of immune responses. They are classified into several categories based on their structure and function, including interleukins, interferons, and chemokines. Cytokines are released in response to infection, injury, or other stimuli and act as signaling molecules, coordinating the actions of immune cells to eliminate pathogens and repair tissue damage.

Interleukins are a family of cytokines that primarily mediate communication between immune cells. For example, interleukin-2

Chemokines are a subclass of cytokines that are involved in the recruitment of immune cells to sites

(IL-2)
is
essential
for
the
activation
and
proliferation
of
T
cells,
while
interleukin-6
(IL-6)
is
involved
in
the
regulation
of
inflammation
and
the
acute
phase
response.
Interferons
are
another
important
group
of
cytokines
that
play
a
key
role
in
the
body's
defense
against
viral
infections.
They
are
produced
by
infected
cells
and
activate
other
cells
to
produce
antiviral
proteins
and
enhance
their
ability
to
fight
off
the
virus.
of
infection
or
inflammation.
They
act
as
chemotactic
factors,
guiding
the
movement
of
immune
cells
towards
the
site
of
infection.
Cytokines
also
play
a
role
in
the
regulation
of
inflammation,
tissue
repair,
and
the
development
of
autoimmune
diseases.
Dysregulation
of
cytokine
production
and
signaling
can
lead
to
various
pathological
conditions,
including
chronic
inflammation,
autoimmune
disorders,
and
cancer.
Understanding
the
complex
network
of
cytokines
and
their
roles
in
the
immune
system
is
essential
for
the
development
of
new
therapies
for
these
conditions.